168. Marine Type White Rocket Mk 1 Mod 0, Fig. 65, is used for emergency signaling pur-poses by merchant ships. It is a standard shower rocket and weighs two pounds. It is fired by a quickmatch when the rocket is mounted on a stave. When it rises to a height of about 250 feet, the shower of approximately 20 white pellets appears in a burst. The burning time of the shower is approximately five seconds. The rocket body is 12 inches long and 1.5 inches in diameter. Attached to the side of the body is a socket, four in-ches long, which takes the rocket stave, one of which is included in the package con-taining the rocket. This stave fits snugly into the socket and is 48 inches long. The base of the rocket is sealed with a paper sealing dics, which covers the end of the quick-match.

Figure 65. – Rocket, White, Marine Type, Mk 1 Mod 0

Operation

169. To fire Marine Type White Rocket Mk 1 Mod 0, place the stave in the socket and then place the assembly in a through inclined at an angle of 80 degrees. The paper sea-ling disc at the base of the rocket body is then pierced and a length of the quickmatch is exposed. The rocket is fired by igniting the quickmatch.

Packing

170. Marine Type White Rockets are packaged to include the wood stave which supports them in the inclined position for firing. They are shipped in containers of 18 units.

Stowage

171. General rules for the stowage of pyrotechnic ammunition as detailed in paragraphs 9 to 12, inclusive, apply to Marine Type White Rockets Mk 1 Mod 0. In stowage it is essen-tial that the item be kept dry and that the paper sealing disc at the base of the body is not punctured.

Safety Precautions

172. When igniting the quickmatch, it is essential that the face be kept above and away from the base of the rocket. It is also important to have the stave securely positioned in the inclined trough. Rockets left in firing position for some time should be covered by day to protect them from direct sun rays.