US Navy Bans Vape Devices Aboard Vessels

On April 14th, 2017 Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) has issued a message that suspends the use, possession, storage and charging of e-cigs and other vape devices onboard U.S. Navy vessels. 

E-cigarettes and other vapordevices are now banned from use onboard U.S. Navy vessels, reports Navy.mil. This ban includes submarines, ships, aircrafts, boats, craft and heavy equipment. The order applies to all sailors, Marines and Military Sealift Command civilians. Patrons visiting naval crafts are also prohibited from using an e-cigarette while on board.

“The Fleet commanders implemented this policy to protect the safety and welfare of Sailors and to protect the ships, submarines, aircraft and equipment,” the Navy stated in their official statement. “The prohibition will be effective 30 days from release of the policy on May 14, and will remain in effect until a final determination can be made following a thorough analysis.”

The decision came down to many reports from what the Navy referred to as, “continued reports of explosions of ENDS due to the overheating of lithium-ion batteries.” Due to the fact that the nature of the Navy’s job already presents its own inherent dangers, they do not want to place additional risks on the crew and equipment, especially a risk that is easily preventable.

Members of the Navy who currently have vape mods and products onboard have been given permission to request an extension on their device removal until they make landfall. But crew supervisors have been told to remove all lithium-ion batteries and store them in plastic wrap, in plastic bag or any other non-conductive container in order to reduce the change of thermal runaway.

On shore the Navy will only allow vaping on base in designated smoking/vaping areas. In order to encourage Sailors who vape in order to quit smoking tobacco cigarettes, the Navy is encouraging them to take advantage of the tobacco cessation programs they provide through its medical services and Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) programs.