NAVY MANUALS AND DOCUMENTS ONLINE

• Single Topic
• Age of Sail
• Fleet Type Submarine Series
• Submarine and Torpedo Fire Control
• Destroyer
• Battleship
• Ordnance, Gunnery and Fire Control
• PT Boat
• Electricity, Communications, Sonar and Radar
• Naval Ships' Technical Manuals (NSTM) in PDF
• Standards and References in PDF
• Training Courses in PDF (includes aviation)
• Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series (NEETS) in PDF
• Links To Full Text Documents On Other Web Sites
• Finding US Navy Records and Drawings at the U.S. National Archives

(Some of these are provided as PDF files, if you have trouble reading these, Adobe® Acrobat® Reader is a Free Download.)

Single Topic:

General Specifications-Appendix 10, 1936 describes the Nomenclature of decks, Numbering of watertight compartments and Labeling used aboard vessels of the U.S. Navy. Included are three small amendments made in 1947, 1948 and 1949. Handbook of Damage Control, NAVPERS 16191, 1945, was created near the end of World War II and represents best practices in WW II damage control. Shipyard Outside Machinist, Bulletin 345-K, 1942. A WW II training manual explaining how to align pumps, gaskets, etc. Navy File Manual, 1941. When looking at U.S. Navy records, they are normally sorted by the Navy Filing Manual. Standard Subject Identifcation Codes, 1987, a Cold War version of the U.S. Navy filing manual. ssic.pdf (5.9 MB PDF). Torpedotown U.S.A., 1989. A history of the Naval Undersea Warfare Engineering Station, 1914-1989, Lisa Poole with Dianne Robinson.

Age of Sail:

The Elements and Practice of Rigging And Seamanship, 1794, by David Steel, is a first comprehensive English textbook of rigging, seamanship and naval tactics. Textbook of Seamanship, 1891, by Commodore Luce, revised by Lieutenant Ward. A classic manual of seamanship under sail or steam from very near the end of the age of sail.

The WW II Fleet Type Submarine Series:

The Fleet Type Submarine, 1946	NavPers 16160
Submarine Main Propulsion Diesels, 1946	NavPers 16161
Submarine Electrical Installations, 1946	NavPers 16162
Submarine Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Systems, 1945	NavPers 16163
Submarine Distilling Systems, 1955	Navpers 16163A
Submarine Air Systems, 1946	NavPers 16164
Submarine Periscope Manual, 1946	NavPers 16165
Submarine Trim and Drain Systems, 1945	NavPers 16166
Submarine Sonar Operator's Manual, 1944	NavPers 16167
Submarine Underwater Log Systems, 1945	NavPers 16168
Submarine Hydraulic Systems, 1946	NavPers 16169
Torpedo Tubes, 21-Inch submerged, Mks 32 to 39, 1944	O.P. 1085

Submarine and Torpedo Fire Control:

Submarine Torpedo Fire Control Manual, 1950. This describes how to plan a submarine's approach and attack using the fire control systems on Fleet and Guppy submarines with straight running torpedoes. Torpedo Data Computer Mark 3, Mark 3, Mods 5 to 12 inclusive, O.P. 1056, 1944 describes the most successful torpedo fire control computer of WW II. It is considered a masterpiece of mechanical computing design. (in PDF) Submarine Attack Course Finder Mark I Model 3, O.D. 453, 1922. This describes the circular slide rule commonly know as an "is-was" used to calculate an approach and attack by an submarine. Torpedo Angle Solver Mark VIII Operating Instructions, O.D. 3518, 1941. This describes the hand operated torpedo angle solver commonly called a "banjo". It is used to calculate the gyro angle when the Torpedo Data Computer is not available. A Brief History of U.S. Navy Torpedo Development, by E.W. Jolie, OP 353W or TD5436, 1978. This provides basic information on most US Navy torpedoes up to 1978 (Submarine, Surface and Air). The Submarine Commander's Handbook, ("U.Kdt.Hdb."), 1943 describes the submarine U-boat tactics of Nazi Germany. Submarine Medicine Practice, 1956. This was prepared for the training and orientation of medical personnel to the problems associated with diving and submarine life. It provides an insight into the life aboard submarines. Medical Study of the Experiences of Submariners as Recorded in 1,471 Submarine Patrol Reports in World War II, 1949. duff.pdf (30.2 MB PDF). USS Sand Lance - Booklet of General Plans, 1943, ss381.pdf (6.7 MB PDF) USS Pompon Ships Orders, 1944, Includes Ships Orders, Compartment Check-Off Lists, Emergency Bills, Diving and Surfacing Instructions. suborders.pdf (11.5 MB).

WW II Destroyer:

Standard Organization Book for 2100-Ton Destroyers, 1943. This describes the organization of the personnel and standard procedures on a WW II destroyer. Among the many tables there are details that provide insight in to the life aboard and operation of a destroyer. Destroyer Steam Propulsion Manual, 1946. This describes the main propulsion plant of DD445 and DD692 Classes. Operating Instructions for Five Inch, 38 Caliber, Gun Crews, 1943. This describes the operation of one of the most common manual gun mounts of WW II. Torpedo Fire Control Equipment (Destroyer Type), 1947. This manual describes the peak of WW II US destroyer torpedo fire control technology.

Battleship

USS New Jersey - Book of General Plans, bbnjplans.pdf (10 MB PDF) U.S.S. Massachusetts - Brief Description of the Engineering Department is a training manual created aboard the battleship to introduce new men to the ships engineering systems.

Ordnance, Gunnery and Fire Control

Fire Control Fundamentals, NAVPERS 91900, 1953, is an introduction to mechanical computing gun fire control. The basic fire control principles of gun against a surface target are then applied to the control of Anti-aircraft guns, Antisubmarine Weapons, Torpedoes, Rockets and Guided Missiles. Principles of Guided Missiles and Nuclear Weapons, 1959. This was created to introduce ROTC officers to these weapons and their effects. Index of Ordnance Publications, OP 0, 1946. This lists all the Ordnance Pamphlets (OP), Ordnance Data, (NAVORD ODs), Ordnance Technical Instructions (NAVORD OTIs), Ordnance Handling Instructions (NAVORD OHIs), Aviation Ordnance Modification Instructions (NAVORD OMIs), NAVORD Charts (Not Issued to Fleet Activities) and War Dept. Publications (Stocked at NAVGUN) current in 1946. This is the place to find out what manuals you are missing for your WW II equipment. OP0.pdf (18 MB PDF, low quality image) Description of Range Keeper, Mark II with Directions for its Care and Manipulation, 1908, and Specifications for the Manufacture of Range Keepers, Mark II, U.S. Navy, 1907. These describe the Vickers Range Clock as used by the US Navy. This was a key element of HMS Dreadnought era fire control that continued in use through WW II. B.R. 1534, Handbook on Minor Fire Control Instruments, 1946, describes the Vickers Range Clock, Dumaresq, Coventry Range Clock, Portable Fire Control Tray, Range Transmitter and Spotting Box, Deflection Transmitter and Spotting Box. Some of these classic British instruments were kept in use aver 50 years. The Gunnery Pocket Book, B.R. 224/45, 1945. This manual represents the peak of British WW II gunnery. Examples included are taken from the six-inch cruiser of the Mauritius class, a Dido class cruiser, and a typical destroyer. B.R. 901/43, Handbook of The Admiralty Fire Control Clock Mark I and I*, 1943, describes the smaller of the two main gun fire control instruments of the Royal Navy in WW II. B.R. 901/43, Handbook On The Use Of Radar For Gunnery Purposes Visual/Radar Target Indication, 1945, describes the radar target designation system of the Royal Navy in WW II. 8-Inch 3-Gun Turrets Main Armament For USS Salem Class, Turret Description And Operation, 1947. Describes in detail the first post-WW II gun turret and last big gun turret created by the US U.S. Navy. Basic Fire Control Mechanisms, OP 1140, 1944, describes the mechanical computing elements used in U.S. Navy fire control systems. These components are the building blocks of some of the most successful analog mechanical computers ever built. (in PDF) Basic Fire Control Mechanisms Maintenance, OP 1140a, 1946, has maintenance procedures for the mechanical computing elements used in U.S. Navy fire control systems. (in PDF) Standard Fire Control Symbols, OP 1700, 1950, established a set of standard fire control symbols to be used in various U.S. Navy fire control systems. (in PDF)

WW II PT Boat:

Know Your PT Boat, 1945. This is an introduction to PT Boats for crews' in training. Motor Torpedo Boats, Tactical Orders and Doctrine, 1942. This provides insight into how PT Boats where used. Detail Specifications For Building Motor Torpedo Boats, 1944. This provides the builders specifications for PT 565-624. Numerous details about PT Boats appear in the manual that provide insight to both the technology and the life aboard PT Boats.

Electricity, Communications, Sonar and Radar:

Unit Course in Marine Electricity, 1942. Museum ships stabilizing or restoring their electrical systems will appreciate many parts of the manual. Items such as the proper ways of working with armored cable, lacing, etc. are included. Electronic Installation Practices Manual, Chapter 9, Cabling, NAVSHIPS 900171, 1951. Museum ships stabilizing or restoring their electrical systems will appreciate many parts of the manual. Items such as the proper ways of working with armored cable, lacing, etc. are included. Introduction to Radio, 1946. An introduction to electronics and naval radio. It covers basic tube electronics in the beginning, then explains the basic operating instructions for typical WW II radios. Notes on Servicing Radio and Sound Equipment, 1942, is a training manual that introduces the art of tube radio and sound equipment repair. This included both receivers and transmitters, and the motor generators they use. Transmitter Servicing Course 503/4, 1945, is a training manual that focuses on WW II naval transmitters TAJ, TBK, TBL, TDE and TBS. Radar Operator's Manual, 1945. This is a WW II radar operator's manual. It covers the most typical radars of WW II. Naval Sonar, 1953. This manual describes the peak of WW II US sonar technology with a hint of the coming Cold War innovations. ECM Mark II Operations Manual, 1944. This describes the high level US cipher system used from 1941-1959. The manual covers CSP-888, CSP-889, SIGABA, M-134C, CCM (Combined Cipher Machine with British).

Naval Ships' Technical Manual (NSTM):
We have requested the release of more of these from the U.S. Navy. NOTE THAT THESE MAY BE OUT OF DATE. Use them for museum interpretation and background information, but do not directly follow them without checking more current and possibly safer references.

Index and User Guide, 2005	ch001.pdf (110 KB)
Readiness and Care of Inactive Ships, 2005	ch050.pdf (1.4 MB)
Fasteners, 1997	ch075.pdf (1.25 MB)
Waterborne Underwater Hull Cleaning of Navy Ships, 2002	ch081.pdf (15 MB), ch081.zip (7 MB)
Weights and Stability, 2005	ch096.pdf (387 KB)
Electric Power Distribution Systems, 1998	ch320.pdf (431 KB)
Navigation Systems, Equipment and Aids, 1999	ch420.pdf (409 KB)
Boats and Small Craft, 1998	ch583.pdf (1.75 MB)
Aircraft Elevators, 1997	ch588.pdf (402 KB)
Pollution Control, 1999	ch593.pdf (1.28 MB)
Structural Closures, 2005	ch600-1.pdf (1.9 MB)
Non Structural Closures, 2005	ch600-2.pdf (1.7 MB)
Hull Outfitting Equipment, 2005	ch600-3.pdf (452 KB)
Wire and Fire Rope and Rigging, 1999	ch613.pdf (1.8 MB)
Cargo and Weapons Elevators, 1998	ch772.pdf (1.39 MB)

Relatively Modern Standards and References
NOTE THAT THESE MAY BE OUT OF DATE. Use them for museum interpretation and background information, but do not directly follow them without checking more current and possibly safer references.

Social Usage and Protocol Handbook, 2001	1710_7a.pdf (9 MB)
Naval Telecommunications Procedures, Flags, Pennants & Customs, 1986	ntp13b.pdf (1.5 MB)
US Navy Shipboard Pest Control Program, 2000	sbpc.pdf (5 MB)
Salvors' Handbook, 2000	salvorshandbook.pdf (7.7 MB)
US Navy Towing Manual, 2002	towman.pdf (14.2 MB)
US Navy Underwater Cutting and Welding Manual, 2002	cut_weld.pdf (2.4 MB)
Protective Coatings and Paints, 2004	ufc_3_190_06.pdf (1.2 MB)
Design: Electrical Engineering Cathodic Protection, 2004	ufc_3_570_02n.pdf (2.7 MB)
Operation and Maintenance: Cathodic Protection Systems, 2003	ufc_3_570_06.pdf (1.1 MB)
Design: Dockside Utilities For Ship Service, 2003	ufc_4_150_02.pdf (7 MB)
Operation and Maintenance: Maintenance of Waterfront Facilities, 2001	ufc_4_150_07.pdf (3 MB)
Inspection of Mooring Hardware, 2001	ufc_4_150_08.pdf (800 KB)
Design: Piers and Wharves, 2005	ufc_4_152_01.pdf (8.6 MB)
Design: Small Craft Berthing Facilities, 2005	ufc_4_152_07n.pdf (1.2 MB)
Design: Moorings, 2005	ufc_4_159_03.pdf (4.8 MB)
Fleet Mooring Underwater Inspection Guidelines, 1984	fpo-1-84-6.pdf (2.1 MB)
Ship Donation Program: Moorings, 2005	mooringplan.pdf (64 KB)
Ship Donation Program: Tow Plan, 2005	towplan.pdf (24 KB)
Ship Donation Program: Appendix H, Tow Plan Checklist, 2005	apphtowplan.pdf (1.3 MB)

Relatively Modern Training Courses
Although in training course format, these also serve as reference material in their topics. NOTE THAT THESE MAY BE OUT OF DATE. Use them for museum interpretation and background information, but do not directly follow them without checking more current and possibly safer references.

Aerographer's Mate, Module 1-Surface Weather Observations, 1999	aerographer1.pdf (7.4 MB)
Aerographer's Mate, Module 2-Miscellaneous Observation's and Codes, 1999	aerographer2.pdf (4.1 MB)
Aerographer's Mate, Module 3-Environmental Satellites and Weather Radio, 1999	aerographer3.pdf (16.6 MB)
Aerographer's Mate, Module 4-Environmental Communications and Administration, 1999	aerographer4.pdf (3.1 MB)
Aerographer's Mate, Module 5-Basic Meteorology, 2001	aerographer5.pdf (3.1 MB)
Aerographer's Mate 1 & C, 1995	aerographermate.pdf (10.4 MB)
Aviation Electronics Technician 1 (Organizational), 1993	aviationET.pdf (4.6 MB)
Aviation Structural Mechanic (H & S) 3 & 2, 1993	aviationmechHS.pdf (17.4 MB)
Aviation Structural Mechanic E 1 & C, 1991	aviationmechE.pdf (2.3 MB)
Aviation-Power Generation and Distribution, 2001	aviationpower.pdf (1.9 MB)
AIRMAN, 2000	airman.pdf (10.6 MB)
Aviation Boatswain's Mate E, 2001	aviationboatswainsmateE.pdf (5.8 MB)
Aviation Boatswain's Mate H, 2001	aviationboatswainsmateH.pdf (7.4 MB)
Aviation Ordnanceman, 2001	aviationordnanceman.pdf (7.5 MB)
Basic Machines, 1994	basicmachines.pdf (8.2 MB)
Basic Military Requirements, 2002	basicmilitaryrequirements.pdf (32.9 MB)
Blueprint Reading and Sketching, 1994	blueprint.pdf (5.5 MB)
Captivity - The Extreme Circumstance, 2001	captivity.pdf (32.9 MB)
Damage Controlman, 2001	damagecontrolman.pdf (6.9 MB)
Electronics Technician, Volume 1-Safety, 1997	et1.pdf (1.4 MB)
Electronics Technician, Volume 2-Administration, 1993	et2.pdf (1.9 MB)
Electronics Technician, Volume 3-Communications Systems, 1997	et3.pdf (11.6 MB)
Electronics Technician, Volume 4-Radar Systems, 1993	et4.pdf (824 KB)
Electronics Technician, Volume 5-Navigation Systems, 1994	et5.pdf (1.7 MB)
Electronics Technician, Volume 6-Digital Data Systems, 1997	et6.pdf (15.8 MB)
Electronics Technician, Volume 7-Antennas and Wave Propagation, 1995	et7.pdf (3.1 MB)
Electronics Technician, Volume 8-Support Systems, 1996	et8.pdf (11.6 MB)
Engineman 1 & C, 2001	engineman1.pdf (5.7 MB)
Engineman 2, 1992	engineman2.pdf (4.2 MB)
Equipment Operator, 1994	equipmentoperator.pdf (23.1 MB)
Fire Controlman, Volume 1-Administration and Safety, 2001	fc1.pdf (19.9 MB)
Fire Controlman, Volume 2-Fire-Control Radar Fundamentals, 2000	fc2.pdf (3.5 MB)
Fire Controlman, Volume 3-Digital Data Systems, 1997	fc3.pdf (17.5 MB)
Fire Controlman, Volume 4-Fire-Control Maintenance Concepts, 1997	fc4.pdf (3.6 MB)
Fire Controlman, Volume 5-Display Systems and Devices, 1997	fc5.pdf (3.4 MB)
Fire Controlman, Volume 6-Digital Communications, 1997	fc6.pdf (2.3 MB)
Fireman, 1992	fireman.pdf (6.5 MB)
Fluid Power, 1990	fluidpower.pdf (4.2 MB)
Gunner's Mate, 1996	gunnersmate.pdf (25 MB)
Instructional Theory, 1992	instructionaltheory.pdf (4 MB)
Lookout Training Handbook, 2000	lookout.pdf (928 KB)
Machinery Repairman, 1993	machinery-repairman.pdf (15 MB)
Operations Specialist Vol. 1, 2000	operationsspecialist1.pdf (8.4 MB)
Quartermaster 1 & C, 1995	quartermaster.pdf (17.9 MB)
Seaman, 1993	seaman.pdf (7.6 MB)
Signalman 1 & C, 1996	signalman.pdf (17.1 MB)
Steelworker Vol. 1, 1996	steelworker1.pdf (9.9 MB)
Steelworker Vol. 2, 1996	steelworker2.pdf (10 MB)
Tools and Their Uses, 1992	tools.pdf (18.3 MB)

Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series (NEETS), 1998.
Relatively modern basic electricity and electronics classes.

Mod-1 Intro. to Matter, Energy, and Direct Current	mod01.pdf (2 MB)
Mod-2 Intro. to Alternating Current and Transformers	mod02.pdf (3.9 MB)
Mod-3 Intro. to Circuit Protection, Control, and Measurement	mod03.pdf (2.4 MB)
Mod-4 Intro. to Electrical Conductors, Wiring Techniques and Schematic Reading	mod04.pdf (1.5 MB)
Mod-5 Intro. to Generators and Motors	mod05.pdf (1.3 MB)
Mod-6 Intro. to Electronic Emissions, Tubes, and Power Supplies	mod06.pdf (1.5 MB)
Mod-7 Intro. to Solid-State Devices and Power Supplies	mod07.pdf (2.4 MB)
Mod-8 Intro. to Amplifiers	mod08.pdf (1.8 MB)
Mod-9 Intro. to Wave-Generation and Wave-Shaping	mod09.pdf (1.8 MB)
Mod-10 Intro. to Wave Propagation, Transmission Lines, and Antennas	mod10.pdf (2.4 MB)
Mod-11 Microwave Principles	mod11.pdf (4.3 MB)
Mod-12 Modulation	mod12.pdf (1.7 MB)
Mod-13 Intro. to Numbering Systems and Logic	mod13.pdf (1.2 MB)
Mod-14 Intro. to Microelectronics	mod14.pdf (6 MB)
Mod-15 Intro. to Synchros, Servos, and Gyros	mod15.pdf (1.6 MB)
Mod-16 Intro. to Test Equipment	mod16.pdf (1.9 MB)
Mod-17 Radio-Frequency Communications Principles	mod17.pdf (5.6 MB)
Mod-18 Radar Principles	mod18.pdf (1.7 MB)
Mod-19 The Technician's Handbook	mod19.pdf (1.3 MB)
Mod-20 Master Glossary	mod20.pdf (508 KB)
Mod-21 Test Methods and Practices	mod21.pdf (2 MB)
Mod-22 Intro. to Digital Computers	mod22.pdf (3.6 MB)
Mod-23 Magnetic Recording	mod23.pdf (3 MB)
Mod-24 Intro. to Fiber Optics	mod24.pdf (1.7 MB)

Links To Full Text Documents On Other Web Sites:

The U.S. Naval Historical Center has a variety of Online Publications and Documents. and at the Naval Aviation Branch. History of Communication-Electronics in the United States Navy, Thomas White's web site contains this classic reference by Captain L.S. Howeth. NAVAL ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY VOLUME 1, NAVAL ORDNANCE, Eugene Slover's web site contains this 1957 edition. NAVAL ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY VOLUME 2, FIRE CONTROL, Eugene Slover's web site contains this 1958 edition. 16" Gun Manual 16" Gun Tables.