What should be done if ordnance is suspected of being defective?

When ordnance is suspected of being defective, the most appropriate action is to immediately report to the supervisor. This step is critical because handling defective ordnance poses a significant risk to personnel safety, ship integrity, and operational security. By notifying a supervisor, proper procedures can be initiated to assess the situation, evaluate the potential hazards, and determine the best course of action in line with safety protocols. Such procedures may involve further inspection, safe handling measures, and possibly involving explosive ordnance disposal experts if necessary.

Promptly reporting ensures that qualified personnel can manage the situation appropriately, minimizing risks to everyone involved. Handling potentially defective ordnance without proper guidance could lead to unintended detonations or other hazardous incidents. Thus, immediate notification is a vital safety protocol in the context of shipboard explosive safety.