SECURITY  OF  MATERIAL Stored material must be kept under lock and key in all cases. The exception for this requirement is when the material quantity and size make storeroom storage impractical. Storeroom spaces must be locked securely when not in use. Personnel in charge of the storage space are responsible for maintaining security for all stores in their custody. When storage spaces are open for use, an authorized person must be present. Other personnel may enter  the  space  only  when  necessary  for  stowage, breakout of material, or emergencies. Inspections Personnel   may   access   stowage   spaces   for inspections and as directed by the commanding officer. However, the inspectors will not be given keys to the spaces. They will be escorted by responsible supply department  personnel. Access for Emergencies Access  to  stowage  spaces  is  authorized  to  damage control personnel in the performance of their duties. Stowage spaces must be secured in such a manner that damage control personnel can open the space by use of ordinary damage control equipment in an emergency. Permission for Entry Only the supply officer can grant permission for entry of persons not ordinarily authorized access to stowage  spaces.  During  the  supply  officer’s  absence,  the assistant supply officer, special assistants, or supply duty officer can grant permission for entry to spaces. Key  Control Key control procedures must be set by the activity. This procedure permits identification of the person holding the key to any stowage space at any given time. CONTROLLED  EQUIPAGE The term  equipage  refers  to  those  durable  and uninstalled items that are located in operating spaces to support operational, maintenance, or administrative functions.  Some  of  the  equipage  items  are  binoculars, cameras, guns, and typewriters. The term controlled equipage refers to those items of equipage that require special  management  control.  These  items  require special  control  because  they  are  essential  for  protection of life. These items are valuable and easily converted to personal use. Appendix 11 of NAVSUP P-485 lists those items  classified  as  controlled  equipage.  Controlled equipage used on board ships will be in the custody of the department head responsible for the particular equipage. The department head is responsible and signs for  all  controlled  equipage  in  the  department.  The department head may delegate the physical custody of controlled   equipage   to   other   officers   or   enlisted personnel in the department. MATERIAL  STOWAGE The term storage refers to the keeping or placing of property in a storeroom, warehouse, shed, or open area. The term stowage is  synonymous  with  storage.  For stowage  of  material  afloat,  you  must  know  how  to determine  the  stowage  layout  best  suited  for  the material. Also, you must know the precautions to be taken to safeguard both the stores and the ship. BASIC  STOWAGE  CRITERIA To maintain control of material, you must meet the basic criteria for storage. These criteria include the following: Ensure maximum usage of available space Provide orderly stowage and access Prevent damage to the ship or injury to personnel Reduce the chance of material loss or damage Ease and ensure issue of the oldest stock first Make  inventories  easier TYPES OF STORAGE FACILITIES Storage facilities are the basic resources of the supply department, both afloat and ashore. Maximum use of storage space can save operational costs and promote  efficiency  of  operation. Types of Storage Facilities Ashore The  following  paragraphs  describe  the  general functions of the most common types of storage facilities used  by  the  Department  of  Defense. COVERED STORAGE SPACE.— The covered storage  space  is  storage  space  within  any  roofed structure. This class includes various structure types. Only those types that are of significance to the AK are discussed here. They are general-purpose warehouses, refrigerated  warehouses,  flammable  storage  ware- houses,  and  sheds. The general-purpose warehouse has a roof, side walls, and end walls. This type of warehouse may have a heating unit installed. The Navy uses this type of warehouse for various storage functions. The building may be single or multistory, although the single-story 6-2