executing  a  QA  training  program  for  the  various qualifications required for QA. The QAO personally interviews each perspective SQCI to ensure that the person has a thorough understanding of the QA mission. REPAIR OFFICER (RO) The   RO   maintains   qualified   personnel   in   all required  ratings  for  the  QA  program  in  his  or  her department.  He  or  she  also  ensures  that  personnel assigned  to  the  repair  department  are  indoctrinated  and trained  in  QA  practices  and  requirements. DIVISION OFFICERS Division   officers   ensure   that   their   divisional personnel  receive  training  and  are  qualified  in  the  QA process  and  maintain  those  qualifications.  They  make sure  that  all  repairs,  inspections,  and  production  work requiring  a  witness  are  witnessed  by  division  work center  QC  inspectors  and  that  all  test  records  are completed  and  signed.  Division  officers  ensure  that  all test personnel observe all safety precautions pertaining to  the  specific  equipment  and  wear  personal  safety equipment   at   all   times   while   conducting   these evolutions. They also make sure that test equipment, if required,  is  properly  calibrated  and  that  adequate overpressure  protection  is  provided  during  tests  in division  spaces. QUALITY  ASSURANCE  SUPERVISORS Quality  assurance  supervisors  are  senior  petty officers  who  have  been  properly  qualified  according  to the  QA  manual.  They  have  a  thorough  understanding  of the QA function and are indoctrinated in all aspects of those  coordinating,  administering,  and  auditing processes   of   the   QA   program.   Quality   assurance supervisors train all SQCIs and CMPOs and ensure their recertification  upon  expiration  of  qualifications.  Quality assurance   supervisors   also   administer   written examinations to all perspective SQCIs and to SQCIs who   require   recertification   to   ensure   a   thorough understanding of the QA program. SHIP QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTORS SQCIs are trained by the QA supervisors in matters pertaining to the QA program. An inspector must be equally as skilled as the craftsman whose work he or she is required to inspect. Not only should the inspector know  the  fabrication  or  repair  operation  and  what workers are required to do,  but also how to go about doing it. To recognize a product quality characteristic, the SQCI must be given certain tools and training. Tools of their  trade  should  include  measuring  devices  and documentation.   Their   training   is   both   formal (documented course of instruction) and informal (OJT). They  must  pass  a  written  test  given  by  the  QA supervisors, as well as an oral examination given by the QAO. The written exam includes general requirements of the QA program and specific requirements related to their  particular  specialty.  Successful  completion  of  the shop qualification program course for QC inspectors will fulfill this requirement. The QA supervisor may also administer a practical examination to perspective SQCIs in which they will have to demonstrate knowledge of records and report completion, and filing requirements. This  will  ensure  that  the  SQCIs  have  a  general knowledge  of  and  a  proper  attitude  toward  the  QA program. CONTROLLED MATERIAL PETTY OFFICERS CMPOs are normally petty officers, E-4 or E-5, who are   thoroughly   familiar   with   controlled   material requirements as outlined in the QA manual. They, too, are trained and qualified by a QA supervisor. The QAO will interview them, as he or she did for SQCIs, to see if they have a general knowledge of controlled material requirements. The QA supervisor will give them a written test to ensure  that  they  have  sufficient  knowledge  of  controlled material requirements and procedures to carry out their responsibilities   effectively. OPERATION OF A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM Initiating an effective, ongoing QA program is an all-hands effort. It takes the cooperation of all shop personnel to make the program work. As the shop or work  group  supervisor,  you  will  be  responsible  for getting the program rolling. The key elements are a good personnel orientation program, a comprehensive personnel training program, use  of  the  proper  repair  procedures,  and  uniform inspection procedures. When you have organized the shop or work center and placed all these elements in practice, your QA program will be underway. These elements are discussed in the following paragraphs. 6-7