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1. This Bureau has received several requests for information in regard to the installation of a preventive bar across the structural frame of the depth charge release tracks to prevent accidental release of charges. In addition, there have been a few requests for a means of restricting the fore and aft motion of depth charges in certain types of tracks and depth charge stowage racks.

2. Enclosures (A) to (I) inclusive include drawings of preventive bars for the after end of all of the various Marks of depth charge release tracks presently in service except the Marks 3 and 6 and for the forward end of the tracks Mark 1 and Mark 1 Mod 1, Marks 3, 4, 5, and 9 (and Mods). The design of a preventive bar for the after end of the Marks 3 and 6 tracks is covered by reference (j). The preventive bars now installed on the forward ends of Marks 6 and 7 tracks are

3. Enclosure (K) shows the design of a securing chock for use in restricting the fore and aft motion of depth charges in the tracks or in stowage racks. It is felt that two chocks will suffice for installation on stowage racks and depth charge release tracks not fully equipped with sufficient pawls to prevent fore and aft motion of charges. These chocks may be especially desirable for use with Mark 1 and Mark 1 Mod 1 tracks and extensions.

4. Vessels fitted with the types of release tracks noted herein desiring such track modification are authorized to make arrangements with Forces Afloat or Navy Yards for the manufacture and installation of the applicable design of subject modification. However, it is not considered necessary for vessels now equipped with a satisfactory type of safety bar to change over to the Bureau design. Due to the few tracks and racks in service which it is believed will require such modifications, this Bureau does not consider it necessary to furnish any material.