TOPIC 2: UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT

Possible questions for Oral Exam

Find the answers to the following questions in the Glossary of Naval Terms in the
Underway Replenishment Section (under Unrestricted Line Officers, pages 131 and 132)
Wherever possible, try to use your own words and simplify the explanations.

1. What do we mean by Underway Replenishment? (pg. 131)

The method used to transfer provisions, ammunition and fuel from one ship to
another at sea. This was a fleet or a naval formation can remain at sea for long
periods of time.

2. How can Underway Replenishment be carried out? Summarize the two

methods. (pg. 131, paragraphs 3-5)

a) CONREP (Connected Replenishment) – involves two processes: supplying fuel

(FAS) and cargo (RAS) to a ship at sea. It is done by a tensioned-wire system known
as STREAM (Standard Tensioned Replenishment Alongside Method). The two ships
are connected by hoses and lines used to transfer fuel, ammunition and cargo. The
replenishment ship can supply two ships at one time on both sides.

b) VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment) – Carried out by helicopters. The helicopter

transfers cargo from the replenishment ship to the receiving ship using a cargo net.
More than one ship can be resupplied at the same time. Replenishment ships often
use this method and CONREP at the same time.

3. What do FAS and RAS mean ? (pg 131) Fueling at sea and Replenishment at sea
(cargo).

4. What are the advantages of the Alongside Method in CONREP over having
the receiving ship positioned astern of the delivery ship? (pg. 131 last
paragraph)
The delivery ship can service two ships at one time and the formation of ships can
maintain greater speed (up to 16 knots instead of 7-8 knots).

5. In what sea conditions are replenishment operations normally carried out?(pg

132, paragraph 5)
In sea state 4 and with highly skilled personnel also in sea state 5.

6. When is it impossible to conduct a replenishment safely?(pg 132, paragraph 5)

When the guide ship is yawing as much as 2 degrees on either side of the base course.

7. Which is the guide ship and which is the customer ship in underway
replenishment operations? (pg 132, 5th paragraph)
The guide ship delivers the cargo and the customer ship receives it.
8. What should the lateral distance between the guide ship and the receiving ship
be during replenishment operations? (pg. 132, paragraph 3)
160 feet

9. What is the normal speed for auxiliary ship replenishment? (pg 132, paragraph
5)
Between 12 and 14 knots.

10. What is the first step in an UNREP operation? (pg. 132, paragraph 4)
To coordinate a rendevouz time and position, and at the same time other information
such as fuel quantities and fueling stations.

11. What is Romeo Corpen?(pg 132, paragraph 5)

The course and speed of replenishment.

12. What does the receiving ship have to do when the Romeo Corpen is
established?(pg 132, paragraph 6)
It has to go to the waiting station.

13. What are the three functions of the waiting station? (pg.133, 1st paragraph –
try to use a more simple language than the one used in the text)
First: improve efficiency of the operation by letting the receiving ship come to the
side of the guide ship from a close station
Second: give the receiving ship the opportunity to measure (guage) the guide ship's
course and speed.
Last: give everyone on the bridge the opportunity to adjust to being very close to
another ship.

14. How long do ships normally stay in waiting station? (pg.133, 1st paragraph)
At least 10 minutes, but may stay from 30 minutes to one hour if one arrives early.

15. How does the guide ship indicate that the receiving ship can come alongside?
(pg.133, 2nd paragraph)
She pulls up the Romeo flag on her side. At that point the receiving ship also pulls up
her Romeo flags and begins her approach.

16. What does the receiving ship have to do to start her approach?(pg.133, 4th
paragraph)
She has to increase engine speed by 4-5 knots.

17. Who is in charge of matching the speed between the two ships?(pg.133,
paragraph 5)
The conning officer.
18. Summarize the procedure carried out after the receiving ship reaches the
right position? (pg.133, last paragraph + pg 134 first paragraph - simplify and try to
use your own words )
1. A shot-line is sent for the phone and distance line (P&D line). This line is
marked every 20 feet/6 meters by a flag (the P&D line also provides for
bridge-to-bridge communication)
2. The messenger is hauled across, followed by the span wire and the hoses. At
this point the teams on deck and in the pump room are ready to begin cargo
and fuel transfer.
3. When the transfer is completed, the team on deck sends back or retrieves the
rigs. For a smooth operation, it is important that the receiving ship maintain
station and not drift away from the guide ship (to avoid fouling of the lines).
4. The approach/receiving ship change her course by 2-3 degrees to move away
from the guide ship.

19. What happens if there is an emergency? (pg.134, paragraph 2)

The Captains of both ships begin emergency procedure to separate the ships. It is a
standard emergency procedure, only faster.