How to Use the COSAL
Once you become familiar with the indexes, you
will find the COSAL easy to use. The best way to gain
this familiarity is by studying the COSAL for your
command. Read the entries in both the Part I, Section A
and B indexes, then see how they provide across-index
by using the same entries but in a different sequence. As
you study the entries, refer to the introduction for the
meanings of abbreviations that you do not understand.
Chapter 4 of the COSAL Use and Maintenance
Manual provides instructions for using the COSAL.
After you have become familiar with the terminology
(chapters 1 through 3), refer to chapter 4 for further
instructions and sample problems.
To be of maximum use to you, the COSAL must be
kept up-to-date at all times. Anytime you use the
COSAL, check to be sure it is up-to-date. In the
following paragraphs we will discuss the use of the
COSAL according to SPCCINST 4441.170, the COSAL
Use and Maintenance Manual.
METHODS OF ENTRY.- You may enter the
COSAL by any of the following methods:
By the name of the equipment/component or
equipage–use Part I, Section A of the Index
By the shipboard service application, location, or
end use of the equipment/component or
equipage–use Part I, Section B of the Index
By the circuit symbol number (CSN) of the
part-use Part II, Section B (microfiche only) to
cross-reference the CSN to the NINN/PNICN/
TNICN/FSCM/REF. NO. Then use Part II,
Section A, to cross-reference the above number
to the NSN/PNICN/TNICN
By the NIIN/part number-use Part III, Section A
or B
By an alternate part number–use Part III, Section
D to cross reference alternate numbers to
NIIN/PNICN/TNICNs
ORDERING PARTS, TOOLS, AND
SUPPLIES
There are numerous supply publications that you
should be familiar with to use the supply system to its
full capability when you requisition parts and tools.
These publications are discussed in Military
Requirements for Petty Officer Third Class,
NAVEDTRA 12044.
Although the supply department is responsible for
supplies, you, the technician, need to know how to
identify what is needed, how to write out the request,
and how to report on the use of the supplies. The
publications containing the stock numbers are kept in
the supply department; therefore, to perform your
assigned duties, you must cooperate with supply
personnel.
SUPPLY REQUISITION FORMS
Documenting material usage and cost data on
maintenance transactions requires a joint effort of the
ship’s supply and maintenance personnel. NAVSUP
Form 1250 and DD Form 1348 (discussed in Military
Requirements for Petty Officer Third Class and
OPNAVINST 4790.4) are the primary supply
documents used by maintenance personnel. They are
used to requisition parts and materials and to record
material usage and cost data in support of maintenance
actions. Normally, maintenance personnel are
responsible for filling out and forwarding the supply
forms for materials that they need to do their jobs.
However, supply personnel will provide assistance
whenever difficult or unusual documentation problems
arise.
Some ships have automated supply systems; others
have manual supply systems.
On a nonautomated ship, when a repair part is
needed before a specific maintenance action can be
completed, maintenance personnel use NAVSUP Form
1250 to request the issue of the part from the ship’s
supply department. Supply personnel issue the part if it
is in stock aboard ship. If the part is not in stock supply
uses the information on the form to order the part from
an off-ship source. Nonautomated ships also use the
NAVSUP Form 1250 to request chargeable services.
On an automated ship, when a repair part is required
to complete a specific maintenance action, maintenance
personnel use DD Form 1348. Chargeable services are
also requisitioned on the DD Form 1348.
All submarine forces, automated and non-
automated, use NAVSUP Form 1250-1 as a
consumption document. Nonautomated ships of the
submarine force use it as a Military Standard
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