PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The basic thrust of the QA program is to make sure
you comply with technical specifications during all
work on ships of both the surface fleet and submarine
force. The key elements of the program are as follows:
- Administrative. This includes training and
qualifying personnel, monitoring and auditing
programs, and completing the QA forms and records.
- Job execution. This includes preparing work
procedures, meeting controlled material requirements,
requisitioning material, conducting in-process control
of fabrication and repairs, testing and recertifying, and
documenting any departure from specifications.
A properly functioning QA program points out
problem areas to maintenance managers so they can take
appropriate action in a timely manner. The following
goals are common to all Navy QA programs:
1. To improve the quality, uniformity, and
reliability of the total maintenance effort.
2. To improve work environment, tools, and
equipment used in the performance of maintenance.
3. To eliminate unnecessary man-hour and dollar
expenses.
4. To improve the training, work habits, and
procedures of all maintenance personnel.
5. To increase the excellence and value of reports
and correspondence originated by the maintenance
activity.
6. To distribute required technical information
more effectively.
7. To establish realistic material and equipment
requirements in support of the maintenance effort.
THE QUALITY ASSURANCE
ORGANIZATION
The QA program for naval forces is organized into
different levels of responsibility. For example, the
COMNAVSURFPAC QA program is organized into the
following levels of responsibility: type commander,
readiness support group/area maintenance coordinator,
and the IMAs. The QA program for the submarine force
is organized into four levels of responsibility: type
commander, group and squadron commanders, IMA
commanding officers, and ship commanding
officer/officers in charge. The QA program for the Naval
Surface Force for the Atlantic Fleet is organized into five
levels of responsibility: force commander, audits,
squadron commanders, IMAs, and force ships.
The QA program organization (Navy) begins with
the commander in chief of the fleets, who provides the
basic QA program organization responsibilities and
guidelines.
The type commanders (TYCOMS) provide
instruction, policy, and overall direction for
implementation and operation of the force QA program.
TYCOMs have a force QA officer assigned to
administer the force QA program.
The commanding officers (COs) are responsible to
the force commander for QA in the maintenance and
repair of the ships. The CO is responsible for organizing
and implementing a program within the ship to carry out
the provisions of the TYCOMs QA manual.
The CO ensures that all repair actions performed by
ships force conform to provisions of the QA manual as
well as other pertinent technical requirements.
The quality assurance officer (QAO) is
responsible to the CO for the organization,
administration, and execution of the ships QA program
according to the QA manual.
The QAO is responsible for coordinating the ships
QA training program, for maintaining ships QA
records, and for test and inspection reports. The QAO
conducts QA audits as required and follows up on
corrective actions to ensure compliance with the QA
program.
The ship quality control inspectors (SQCIs),
usually the work center supervisor and two others from
the work center, must have a thorough understanding of
the QA program. Some of the other responsibilities an
SQCI will have are as follows:
1. Inspect all work for compliance with
specifications.
2. Maintain ship records to support the QA
program.
3. Ensure that only calibrated equipment is used in
acceptance testing and inspection of work
4. Witness and document all tests.
5. Ensure that all materials or test results that fail
to meet specifications are recorded and reported.
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