The quality assurance (QA) program was established to provide personnel with information and guidance necessary to administer a uniform policy of maintenance and repair of ships and submarines. The QA program is intended to introduce discipline into the repair of equipment, safety of personnel, and configuration control, thereby enhancing readiness. The various QA manuals set forth minimum QA requirements for both the surface fleet and the submarine force. If more stringent requirements are imposed by higher authority, such requirements take precedence. If a conflict exists between the QA manual and previously issued letters and transmittals by the appropriate force commanders, the QA manual takes precedence. All such conflicts should be reported to the appropriate officials.

The instructions contained in the QA manual apply to every ship and activity of the force. Although the requirements are primarily applicable to the repair and maintenance done by the force IMAs, they also apply to maintenance done aboard ship by ships force. In all cases where specifications cannot be met, a departure-from-specifications request must be completed and reported.

Because of the wide range of ship types and equipment and the varied resources available for maintenance and repair, the instructions set forth in the QA manual are necessarily general in nature. Each activity must implement its own QA program to meet the intent of the QA manual. The goal should be to have all repairs conform to QA specifications.

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.