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Boats and Craft
Inventory Management FAQs

Inventory Management • Boat Turn-In Guidance • Technical Support • Logistics • Acronyms

How are boat allowances established?
Allowances are established by CNO for forces afloat and by PEO Ships (PMS325) for shore stations according to OPNAVINST 4780.6. Boats are NAVSEA "Special Material" they're not subject to standard requisitioning procedures. They're obtained by a letter request to NAVSEA citing justification and end use. Boats for Flag Officers and Commands are authorized only by CNO, are in the Flag's custody, and aren't part of any ship's or facility's allowance. When referring to boats in correspondence to NAVSEA, please don't forget to identify the length, type and hull registry number. Section 583-1.3 of NSTM Chapter 583 describes this procedure in complete detail.

How do I get replacement for the boat I already have?
Replacement boats are issued only when; (1) your current boat has reached its expected service life, (fiberglass - 20 years, metal - 25 years) and is beyond economical repair (minus cosmetic and nonessential items), or (2) when the boat has encountered a major catastrophe that renders it unusable or unserviceable.

What if I want to transfer one of my boats to another squadron or facility?
Only those boats assigned for the personal use of flag offices afloat (or their staffs) can be transferred without specific authorization from (PMS325). Boats should not be transferred unless an emergency exists. Boat custodians may assign boats on sub-custody to neighboring activities when a temporary need arises. But give NAVSEA full details by letter or message at the earliest possible date. (See NSTM Chapter 583)


What are my responsibilities when I take delivery of a boat?
While boats are delivered to the Navy with a six-month warranty, your boat may have been in storage for several months or even a year or two. Prior to shipment from storage, PEO Ships (PMS325) and Combatant Craft Department ensure these boats are inspected to identify and correct the effects of weathering and any "dings and dents" from storage. When you get your boat, conduct a receipt inspection using the Boat Checklist from
NSTM Chapter 583; identify any deficiencies, including any you think may be defects in workmanship or initial parts failure, to your support commander and to (PMS325). If you're in "new construction," your SUPSHIP or the Defense Contract Management Area Office (DCMAO) will notify you in advance that your boat is on the way. They'll remind you to perform the delivery inspection and ask you to provide a letter identifying any material discrepancies. The commercial transporter may be liable for any damages incurred during shipment, but this reporting speeds up the process to get your boat back to RFI condition.

Are there U.S. Navy boats that are assigned to and operated by agency other than the U.S. Navy?
PMS325 may assign boats to special projects such as disaster relief or environmental cleanup efforts. These boats may be operated by other government agencies or commercial corporations. The recipient temporary Boat Custodian is responsible for restoration of the boat to "as-issued" condition when returning it to Navy custody.

What is the process for disposing of Navy boats?
The Naval Ship's Technical Manual Chapter 583 (
NSTM Chapter 583) Boats and Small Craft states that boats shall not be disposed of unless such disposal has been authorized by NAVSEA. Boats which NAVSEA has authorized for disposal are to be promptly turned in to the nearest DRMO. A copy of the signed transfer document shall be forwarded to the Boat Inventory Manager. For more information, see NSTM Chapter 583.