Which document establishes temporary responsibility for property during a transfer?

• A. Maintenance directive
• B. Shipping manifest
• C. Insurance certificate
• D. Sub-hand receipt

Answer: (D)

When property is moved from one custodian to another, accountability needs a formal record that assigns responsibility for the items during the move. A sub-hand receipt does exactly that. It acts as a temporary, formal assignment of custody to the person or unit taking possession, detailing what items are involved, their quantities, condition, and who is now accountable for them for the duration of the transfer. This creates a clear chain of custody and liability, so if anything is lost or damaged during the transfer, there’s a defined point of accountability.

The other documents don’t establish this temporary transfer of responsibility. A maintenance directive tells you how to maintain equipment, not who is responsible for it during movement. A shipping manifest records what is being shipped and in what quantity, but it doesn’t assign accountability or liability. An insurance certificate covers risk exposure and insurance needs, not who holds the property or is responsible for it during transfer.

So the sub-hand receipt is the tool that formalizes temporary responsibility during a transfer, ensuring proper accountability throughout the process.