The Board of Inspection and Survey is under the administration of CNO. This board consists of a flag officer, as president, and of such other senior officers as may be required to assist the president in carrying out the duties of the board. Regional boards and sub-boards are established, as necessary, to assist the Board of Inspection and Survey in the performance of its duties. In this discussion we will consider shipboard inspections that are made by the sub-boards. These sub-boards consist of the chief inspector and about 10 or more members, depending upon the type of ship that is to be inspected.

Material Inspections made by the Board

The inspection made by the Board of Inspec-tion and Survey is in several respects similar to the material inspection that has just been dis-cussed. In fact, the Board of Inspection and Surveys inspection procedures, condition sheets, and reports are used as guidelines in establishing directives for the material inspection. The primary difference, in regard to material inspections, is that the material inspection is conducted by Forces Afloat, usually a sister ship, and the Board of Inspection and Survey inspection is conducted by a specially appointed board. This distinction, however, refers only to routine shipboard material inspection. It must be remembered that the Board of Inspection and Survey conducts other types of inspections.

Inspections of ships are conducted by the Board of Inspection and Survey, when directed by CNO, to determine their material condition. Their inspection usually takes place 4 to 6 months prior to regular overhaul. Whenever practicable, such inspections are held sufficiently in advance of a regular overhaul of the ship so as to include in the overhaul all the work recommended by the Board following the inspection. Upon the com-pletion of its inspection, the Board reports the general condition of the ship and its suitability for further naval service, together with a list of the repairs, alterations, and design changes which, in its opinion, should be made.

Acceptance Trials and Inspections

Trials and inspections are conducted by the Board of Inspection and Survey on all ships prior to final acceptance for naval service, to determine whether or not the contract and authorized changes there to have been satisfactorily fulfilled. The builders trials and acceptance trials are usually conducted before a new ship is placed in commission. After commissioning, a final con-tract trial is held. Similar inspections are made on ships that have been converted to other types. All material, performance, and design defects and deficiencies found, either during the trials or as a result of examination at the completion of trials, are reported by the Board, together with its recommendations as to the responsibility for correction of defects and deficiencies. The Board also recommends any changes in design which it believes should be made on the ship itself or other ships of its type. These recommendations are made to the Secretary of the Navy. Unless war circumstances prevent it, an acceptance trial takes place at sea over an established trial course. The tests include full power runs ahead and astern, quick reverse, boiler overload, steering, and anchor engine tests. During the trial, usually the builders personnel operate the ship and its machinery. Ships per-sonnel who are on board to observe the trial carefully inspect the operation and material con-dition of machinery and equipment. They note all defects or deficiencies and bring them to the attention of the division or engineer officer, so that each item can be discussed with the appropriate members of the Board of Inspection and Survey.

Survey of Ships

Survey of a ship is conducted by the Board of Inspection and Survey whenever a ship is deemed by CNO to be unfit for further service, because of material condition or obsolescence. The Board after a thorough inspection, renders an opinion to the Secretary of the Navy as to whether the ship is fit for further naval service, or can be made so without excessive cost. When the Board believes that the ship is unfit for further naval service, the Board makes appropriate recommendations as to the ships disposition.