DA Form 3256: Marine Equipment Preservation Guide (PDF) – DA Form 3256: Marine Equipment Preservation Guide (PDF) – U.S. Army personnel, logistics specialists, and marine equipment operators use DA Form 3256 as a critical checklist and record for protecting vessels, engines, and related systems during storage or inactivity, while ensuring safe, efficient reactivation. This guide, referenced in TB 740-93-4, helps maintain readiness for Army watercraft and marine assets.
Download the official DA Form 3256 PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A3256.pdf
What Is DA Form 3256?
DA Form 3256, titled “Preservation and Depreservation Guide for Marine Equipment”, is a standardized U.S. Army form (November 1971 edition) that documents preservation actions taken on marine equipment and lists the exact steps needed for depreservation before operation.
Units complete it in duplicate: one copy goes in a waterproof envelope in the pilot house, and the other stays in the vessel record file. It covers systems such as cooling, engines, gears, pumps, electrical components, and more. The form uses checkboxes and fill-in blanks to record materials (e.g., MIL-C-16173 preservative, MIL-L-21260 oil) and procedures applied.
Why Proper Preservation and Depreservation Matters for Marine Equipment?
Marine equipment faces corrosion, moisture, and degradation risks during long-term storage or inactivity, especially in humid or saltwater environments. Following DA Form 3256 helps:
- Prevent internal rust and damage to engines, cooling systems, and piping.
- Maintain lubrication and protect exposed surfaces.
- Ensure quick, safe return to operational status.
- Comply with Army technical bulletins and maintenance standards.
This process directly supports mission readiness for Army watercraft, landing craft, and other vessels.
Key Sections and Procedures on DA Form 3256
The form organizes preservation and depreservation instructions by major systems. Operators mark “X” for actions performed and note material types/grades.
Cooling Systems
Preservation often includes flushing with preservatives (e.g., MIL-C-16173 Grade 3), draining, or filling with antifreeze mixtures. Depreservation typically involves refilling with water/antifreeze and checking readiness.
Crankcases, Engines, and Accessories
Wet or dry sumps receive preservative lubricating oil (MIL-L-21260). Depreservation usually requires checking levels and topping off with operational oil (MIL-L-2104) without full draining in many cases.
Gears, Clutches, and Drive Components
Hydraulic and mechanical gears stay filled with approved fluids. Exposed gears and clutches receive coatings or primers (e.g., TT-P-664). Drive belts are tension-released, and chains get preservative treatment.
Pumps, Tanks, and Compressors
Raw water, fuel, and oil systems get specific flushing or coating. Drain plugs may be removed, and packing handled per instructions. Air receivers and tanks receive interior coatings.
Electrical Equipment and Valves
Ferrous surfaces get light preservative oils; weather-exposed parts are sealed. Valves are positioned and secured appropriately.
Other Systems
The form addresses steering, wire rope, refrigeration, heating, deck fittings, anchors, and more, with options for dehumidification or cocooning.
Additional blank spaces allow for custom notes, component replacements, or adjustments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing and Using DA Form 3256
- Identify Equipment — Fill in Federal Stock Number, Nomenclature, Design Number, and USA Number.
- Record Preservation — As each operation is performed, mark the appropriate block and note the preservative type/grade used.
- Document Depreservation Requirements — The form automatically pairs actions so the reverse steps are clear.
- Add Notes — Use extra lines for special instructions, such as matchmarking for removed components.
- Distribute Copies — Place one in the pilot house (waterproof) and one in records.
- Before Operation — Follow depreservation column exactly, consulting the applicable technical manual and lubrication guide.
Always cross-reference with the specific vessel’s technical manual for variations.
Best Practices for U.S. Army Marine Equipment Maintenance
- Perform preservation promptly when equipment enters storage.
- Schedule regular inspections during storage.
- Train personnel on MIL-SPEC materials and safety.
- Keep records updated for audits and transitions.
- Use DA Form 3256 alongside related forms and TB 740-93-4 guidance.
Proper use reduces downtime and repair costs while ensuring compliance.
Common Questions About DA Form 3256
Is the form still current?
Yes, the November 1971 version remains the official form available through Army Publishing Directorate.
Who uses it?
U.S. Army units operating or maintaining watercraft, logistics personnel, and marine equipment technicians.
Where to get the latest version?
Download directly from the official source: DA Form 3256 PDF.
For related railroad equipment, see DA Form 3257. Always verify the latest references via armypubs.army.mil for your specific application.
Need help filling it out?
Consult your unit maintenance officer or the technical bulletin. Online fillable versions are available from reputable Army forms repositories, but always use the official PDF for records.
Effective preservation using DA Form 3256 keeps U.S. Army marine assets protected and mission-ready. Bookmark this guide and the official download link for quick reference.