The CO ensures that all work requests requiring special   controls   are   properly   identified   and   that applicable supporting documentation is provided to the maintenance or repair activity using the applicable QA form. The   CO   also   ensures   that   departures   from specifications  are  reported,  required  audits  are conducted, and adequate maintenance is performed for the  material  condition  necessary  to  support  continued unrestricted   operations. The  quality  assurance  officer  (QAO)  is responsible   to   the   commanding   officer   for   the organization,  administration,  and  execution  of  the  ship’s QA program according to the QA manual. The QAO is responsible for the following: Coordinating the ship’s QA training program. Ensuring  that  QA  training  becomes  an  integral part of the ship’s training program. Maintaining  ship’s  QA  records  and  test  and inspection   reports. Maintaining   auditable   departure   from specifications  records,  and  reviewing  procedures and controlled work packages prepared by the ship. Conducting  QA  audits  as  required,  and  following up on corrective actions to ensure compliance with the QA program. Preparing  QA/QC  (quality  assurance/quality control)  reports  to  higher  authority. The ship’s quality control inspectors (SQCIs), usually work center supervisors 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: Inspect   all   work   for   conformance   to specifications. Train personnel in QC. Maintain  ship  records  to  support  the  QA program. Ensure that only calibrated equipment is used in acceptance testing and inspection of work. Initiate  departure  from  specification  reports (discussed later) when required. Ensure   that   all   inspections   beyond   the capabilities  of  the  shop’s  QA  inspector  are performed and accepted by IMA prior to final acceptance  and  installation  of  the  product  by  the ship. Witness  and  document  all  tests. Ensure that all materials or test results that fail to meet specifications are recorded and reported. Report  all  deficiencies  and  discrepancies  to  the ship’s  QA  coordinator  (keeping  the  division officer   informed). Develop controlled work packages for all ship repair work requiring QA controls. More on SQCI duties will be discussed later in this chapter, because this will more than likely be the area you will be associated with. RESPONSIBILITIES  FOR  QUALITY OF MAINTENANCE Although  the  CO  is  responsible  for  the  inspection and quality of material within a command, he or she depends on the full cooperation of all hands to meet this  responsibility.  The  responsibility  for  establishing a  successful  program  to  attain  high  standards  of quality  workmanship  cannot  be  discharged  by  merely creating  a  QA  division  within  a  maintenance organization.  To  operate  effectively,  this  division requires  the  full  support  of  everyone  within  the organization. It is not the instruments, instructions, and   other   facilities   for   making   inspections   that determine  the  success  or  failure  in  achieving  high standards  of  quality;  it  is  the  frame  of  mind  of  all personnel. Quality maintenance is the name of the game. You, as a supervisor, must know that high-quality work is vital  to  the  effective  operation  of  any  maintenance organization. To achieve this high quality work each of your personnel must know not only a set of specification limits, but also the purpose of those limits. The person with the most direct concern for quality workmanship is you–the production supervisor. This stems   from   your   responsibility   for   the   proper professional  performance  of  your  assigned  personnel. You must establish procedures within the work center to ensure that all QA inspection requirements are complied with  during  all  maintenance  evolutions.  In  developing procedures for your work center, keep in mind that 6-4