DA Form 5587: Drydocking & Vessel Bottom Report Guide

DA Form 5587: Drydocking & Vessel Bottom Report Guide – US Army watercraft operators, maintenance supervisors, and logistics personnel rely on DA Form 5587 (August 2004) as the official document for recording drydocking, hull painting, and underwater condition inspections. This form ensures compliance with Army maintenance standards, supports vessel readiness, and maintains detailed historical records for Army watercraft.

What Is DA Form 5587?

DA Form 5587, titled Report of Drydocking, Painting and Condition of Vessel Bottom (From Keel to Top of Boot Top Line), serves as a standardized report for documenting maintenance performed during drydocking or haul-out operations.

The US Department of the Army released the current version in August 2004. It supersedes the earlier DA Form 5587-R (November 1986). Users reference DA PAM 750-8 (The Army Maintenance Management System – TAMMS Users Manual) for guidance. The proponent agency is DCS, G-4.

Key Purpose:

  • Record drydocking/haul-out details and associated costs.
  • Document the condition of the underwater hull, fittings, and fouling.
  • Track painting applications, materials, and procedures.
  • Provide surveyor and approving official certification for accountability and compliance.

This form is critical for Army watercraft programs, including logistics support vessels, tugs, barges, and other floating equipment maintained under Army regulations.

When and Why You Need DA Form 5587?

Army watercraft undergo periodic drydocking for inspection, cleaning, repair, and antifouling protection, similar to commercial and naval vessels. DA Form 5587 creates a permanent record of these events.

Typical Triggers:

  • Scheduled drydocking or haul-out for preventive maintenance.
  • Emergency repairs due to damage, excessive fouling, or mechanical issues.
  • Post-maintenance reporting to higher commands or the National Maintenance Program (NMP).
  • Historical tracking for future planning and audits.

Reports must typically be submitted within 90 days of refloating, with copies kept aboard the vessel. This supports overall vessel survey inspections and repair procedures.

Key Sections of DA Form 5587

The two-page form captures comprehensive data:

Section I – Drydocking and Painting Data:

  • Vessel name, hull number, design number.
  • Locations and dates of present and previous drydock/haul-out.
  • Time elapsed since last painting (months & days).
  • Costs for cleaning, painting, and the drydocking itself.
  • Contractor information.

Condition of Underwater Hull Plates: Detailed narrative description.

Section II – Condition of Underwater Fittings:

  • Outboard shafting, rudders, propellers, struts, stern bearings, sea strainers, sea chests/valves, hull zincs, bilge keels, stern frame/skeG/Kort nozzle.
  • Wear measurements, renewal dates, and specifics for port/starboard where applicable.

Section III – Bottom Fouling:

  • Plant and animal fouling levels (heavy, moderate, slight).
  • Weather conditions during work.

Section IV – Paint Record:

  • Surface preparation (e.g., sandblast to near white metal).
  • Number of coats, manufacturer, formula, and gallons used per coat.
  • Time factors: intervals between coats, total painting time, time before refloating.

Signatures: Typed names, grades, and signatures of the surveyor and approving official.

How to Complete and Use DA Form 5587?

  1. Gather Data — Collect details from the drydock contractor, maintenance logs, and physical inspections.
  2. Fill Accurately — Use precise measurements (e.g., bearing wear in thousandths of an inch) and descriptions.
  3. Document Painting — Record full details on preparation and application for warranty and performance tracking.
  4. Review and Approve — Ensure the surveyor and approving official sign off.
  5. Distribute — Retain aboard the vessel; submit copies as required (e.g., to US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Troop Support Group).

Pro Tip: Always cross-reference with the vessel’s technical manuals (TMs) and current Army watercraft maintenance policies for specific intervals and standards.

Download Official DA Form 5587

Official PDF Download:
DA Form 5587 – Report of Drydocking, Painting and Condition of Vessel Bottom

Fillable versions and templates are also available from authorized Army forms repositories and sites like ArmyReal.com. Always use the latest official version from armypubs.army.mil for compliance.

Importance in US Army Watercraft Operations

Proper use of DA Form 5587 helps:

  • Ensure vessel safety and operational readiness.
  • Control corrosion, fouling, and mechanical wear on critical underwater components.
  • Support budgeting and contracting for maintenance services.
  • Maintain audit-ready records for Army sustainment programs, including Army Watercraft Sustainment Maintenance (AWSM) initiatives.

In an era of multi-domain operations, reliable watercraft logistics depend on meticulous maintenance documentation like this form.

  • DA PAM 750-8: Primary guidance on TAMMS and this form.
  • Army watercraft technical bulletins (e.g., TB 55-1900 series) for survey and repair procedures.
  • Current Army Regulations on maintenance (AR 750-1).

For questions about completing the form or watercraft-specific requirements, consult your unit maintenance officer, local Army watercraft support activity, or the appropriate TACOM/LOGSA points of contact.