The primary purpose of submarine qualification is to provide for the training of all personnel assigned to a ship in the handling of any emergency that may arise. In order to fulfill this objective, each man serving on a submarine must gain an intimate knowledge of that ship's systems, be able to rig all compartments for all operating conditions including emergencies, and be proficient in the use of damage control equipment kept on board. These requirements are mandatory for all personnel because it is impossible to insure that the best man for a particular function will be available on the scene at the time his services are needed. Each person aboard must be able to initiate immediate corrective action on any emergency in any part of the ship and continue corrective action until assistance arrives.
The first duty of an unqualified man reporting aboard a submarine is to commence the prescribed qualification program. The program is arranged so that the average time required to complete the qualification is seven months. The Commanding Officer may extend this period in unusual or deserving cases. Personnel who do not satisfactorily complete their qualification requirements within a year are permanently separated from the Submarine Service.
Unqualified men who are up-to-date on their qualifications are granted all privileges of qualified men, with the exception that unqualified men do not attend movies or join in games on board. They are not normally ordered to schools involving absence from the boat for more than two (2) weeks, and when underway they are required to work on qualification from 0800 to 1600.
Qualification Process - The study of the submarine, its systems, watch stations, and compartments is accomplished in five steps.
a. Study
b. Sketching
c. Practical Factor Performance
d. Examination
e. Qualification Review Board
These steps are completed in the following manner:
a. Study
The unqualified man reads and studies the material in the Ship's General Information Book and the sections of regulations that apply to an individual system or qualification item.
b. Sketching
A sketch of each system is prepared by tracing that system, compartment by compartment, throughout the ship. The sketches show, properly labeled, the following:
All working valves and gages.
Working pressure and test pressure.
Switches and controls.
Connections to other systems.
Direction of flow.
Other components as noted in the individual assignments.
Size, capacity, or rating of piping, wiring and components.
The completed sketch is submitted to the system instructor for correction and approval. In discussion, the trainee must demonstrate a working knowledge of the purpose, operation, (including emergency or alternate methods of operation) and the location of the system components.
c. Practical Factor Performance
The unqualified man actually operates each system, stands each watch, and rigs each compartment. When a practical factor involves the standing of a watch, it is done under the supervision of a qualified operator. Satisfactory completion of the practical factor requirements are recorded on the qualification training card by the system instructor or regularly assigned watch stander at the watch station.
d. Examination
At the completion of each qualification item, the unqualified man is examined by an officer examiner who verifies his mastery of the subject. He presents the officer examiner his corrected sketch of the system signed by the enlisted instructor/examiner, his practical factor item sheet properly completed and is thoroughly examined on the system. When this examination is passed to the satisfaction of the examiner it is recorded on the appropriate place in the item requirement. .
e. Qualification Board
Upon completion of the individual requirements, each man prepares himself by thoroughly reviewing all aspects of qualification. A Board of Review composed of designated chief petty officers and petty officers first class will examine each man. Upon successful completion of the examination by the Board of Review, the Qualification Officer will examine each man. Personnel who successfully complete this examination are recommended to be designated:
"QUALIFIED IN SUBMARINES."
