Chapter 2ADMINISTRATION, SUPERVISION, AND TRAINING
Material Inspections made
by the Board
The inspection made by the Board of Inspec-
tion and Survey is in several respects similar to
the material inspection that has just been dis-
cussed. In fact, the Board of Inspection and
Surveys inspection procedures, condition sheets,
and reports are used as guidelines in establishing
directives for the material inspection. The primary
difference, in regard to material inspections, is
that the material inspection is conducted by Forces
Afloat, usually a sister ship, and the Board of
Inspection and Survey inspection is conducted by
a specially appointed board. This distinction,
however, refers only to routine shipboard material
inspection. It must be remembered that the Board
of Inspection and Survey conducts other types of
inspections.
Inspections of ships are conducted by the
Board of Inspection and Survey, when directed
by CNO, to determine their material condition.
Their inspection usually takes place 4 to 6 months
prior to regular overhaul. Whenever practicable,
such inspections are held sufficiently in advance
of a regular overhaul of the ship so as to include
in the overhaul all the work recommended by the
Board following the inspection. Upon the com-
pletion of its inspection, the Board reports the
general condition of the ship and its suitability
for further naval service, together with a list of
the repairs, alterations, and design changes which,
in its opinion, should be made.
Acceptance Trials and Inspections
Trials and inspections are conducted by the
Board of Inspection and Survey on all ships prior
to final acceptance for naval service, to determine
whether or not the contract and authorized
changes there to have been satisfactorily fulfilled.
The builders trials and acceptance trials are
usually conducted before a new ship is placed in
commission. After commissioning, a final con-
tract trial is held. Similar inspections are made
on ships that have been converted to other types.
All material, performance, and design defects and
deficiencies found, either during the trials or as
a result of examination at the completion of trials,
are reported by the Board, together with its
recommendations as to the responsibility for
correction of defects and deficiencies. The Board
also recommends any changes in design which it
believes should be made on the ship itself or other
ships of its type. These recommendations are
made to the Secretary of the Navy.
Unless war circumstances prevent it, an
acceptance trial takes place at sea over an
established trial course. The tests include full
power runs ahead and astern, quick reverse, boiler
overload, steering, and anchor engine tests.
During the trial, usually the builders personnel
operate the ship and its machinery. Ships per-
sonnel who are on board to observe the trial
carefully inspect the operation and material con-
dition of machinery and equipment. They note
all defects or deficiencies and bring them to the
attention of the division or engineer officer, so
that each item can be discussed with the
appropriate members of the Board of Inspection
and Survey.
Survey of Ships
Survey of a ship is conducted by the Board
of Inspection and Survey whenever a ship is
deemed by CNO to be unfit for further service,
because of material condition or obsolescence.
The Board after a thorough inspection, renders
an opinion to the Secretary of the Navy as to
whether the ship is fit for further naval service,
or can be made so without excessive cost.
When the Board believes that the ship is
unfit for further naval service, the Board makes
appropriate recommendations as to the ships
disposition.
SHIP TRIALS
There are a number of different types of trials
which are carried out under specified conditions.
A list comprising most of them is given here:
1. Builders trial.
2. Acceptance trials.
3. Final contract trials.
4. Post repair trials.
5. Laying up or pre-overhaul trial.
6. Recommissioning trials.
7. Standardization trials.
8. Tactical trials.
9. Full power trials.
10. Economy trials.
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