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.