CHAPTER 2
TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATION
INTRODUCTION
“Technical administration” is a broad term that
defines the methods used to document the completion
of job tasks. Whether a task is part of equipment
maintenance or repair, it is not fully completed until all
documenting paperwork has been completed. You, as
the technician, are responsible for ensuring that all
paperwork is completed for each task you are assigned.
The technical administration for most of your job
tasks is prescribed by the ship’s Maintenance and
Material Management System (3-M) manual. The 3-M
manual (OPNAVINST 4790.4 series) discusses this
system in detail. Part of the Maintenance and Material
Management System includes the Maintenance Data
System (MDS). This chapter discusses MDS and some
of the manuals in the technical library that are useful in
completing Fire Controlman paperwork.
THE MAINTENANCE DATA SYSTEM
The Maintenance Data System (MDS) enables
t e c h n i c i a n s a n d t h e i r s u p e r v i s o r s t o r e c o r d
maintenance actions in substantial detail. This
provides a variety of retrievable reports concerning
maintenance and the performance of the equipment.
One of the major objectives of MDS is to provide the
capability to report configuration changes. A
configuration change is generally defined as “the
addition, deletion, modification, or relocation of any
piece of installed equipment aboard a ship.” From
your viewpoint, the reason it is important for your
command to report configuration changes is to ensure
that you have the required parts support that you need
to maintain and repair your equipment.
The usefulness of the MDS depends on the
accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness of the reported
information. Programs for improving the reliability,
maintainability, and logistic support of your
equipment depend on how conscientiously you adhere
to the reporting procedures.
T h i s s e c t i o n b r i e f l y d e s c r i b e s t h e m a j o r
components of the MDS: MDS forms, the Current
Ship’s Maintenance Project reports, and the Planned
Maintenance System.
MAINTENANCE DATA SYSTEM FORMS
As a Fire Controlman, you may use several MDS
forms each day. The Ships’ Maintenance and Material
Management (3-M) Manual, OPNAVINST 4790.4,
commonly referred to as the “3-M Manual,” provides
in-depth information on how to complete these forms.
For information on completing the supply forms
associated with the MDS, refer to the appropriate
supply manuals.
Ship’s Maintenance Action Form
The Ship’s Maintenance Action Form (OPNAV
4790/2K), shown in figure 2-1, is the primary MDS
form. A multiple-copy form having six sections, the
4790/2K is used to report both deferred and completed
maintenance actions (including previously deferred
actions), and is commonly referred to as a “two-kilo”.
Whenever you make an entry on this form, print the
information in CAPITAL letters. Be sure your entries
are legible and located within the tick marks. If you
make an error, line it out with a single line and enter the
correct information. Refer to your 3-M manual for
specific guidance.
2-1
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completing this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. Describe the Maintenance Data System and identify its associated forms.
2. Identify the primary technical manuals associated with the routine duties of
the Fire Controlman
