Silver Dolphin Return
Return To POV-021DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
COMMNDER SUBMARINE FORCE U. S. ATLANTIC FLEET
NORFOLK, VA 22511-5230AND
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE U. S. IIACIFIC FLEET PEARL HARBOR , HAWII 96860-6560
COMSUBLANT/COMSUBPACINST 1552.16A241 20 MAY, 1992
COMSUBLANT/COMSUBPAC INSTRUCTION 1552.16A Subj: ENLISTED REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMARINE QUALIFICATION
Encl: (1) Minimum Enlisted Requirements for Qualification in Submarines
1. Purpose. To promulgate requirements for initial submarine qualification and requalification of enlisted personnel. This instruction revises the enlisted submarine qualification program.
2. Cancellation. COMSUBLANT/CUBISUBPACINST 1552.16.
3. Backqround. The designation of an enlisted man as "Qualified in Submarines" signifies that he has acquired specific skills, knowledge and experience and has demonstrated proficiency in keeping with the high standards traditional in the submarine force. These standards are maintained through a formal qualification program prescribed by the Submarine Force Commanders and executed by submarine Commanding Officers. The formal qualification program requires that each wearer of the Enlisted Submarine Insignia be a watchstander fully knowledgeable of his watch stations, be qualified in submarine damage control, be generally knowledgeable of the entire ship, and be a trusted member of his ship's crew. Submariners are justifiably proud of the high level of knowledge, skill and reliability traditionally required to qualify in submarines. This high level of attainment is retained through participation in the qualification program by every qualified submariner onboard. In essence, each qualified submariner is required to be conversant with the principles of submarining and is expected to be knowledgeable of the duties of his shipmates and the basic construction of his ship. Attainment of the designation "Qualified in Submarines" is not the termination of the educational process for an individual in the areas of knowledge of his ship or his watch stations. Qualification in submarines must serve rather as the foundation for expansion of knowledge in both of these areas. The specific goals of the enlisted submarine qualification program are to ensure that:
a. Each individual is fully qualified to stand those watches commensurate with his rate-and rating.
b. Each individual is capable of effectively combatting casualties occurring in the equipments for which he is responsible and in the spaces in which he works and lives.
c. Each individual is capable of rendering effective damage control assistance in casualty situations anywhere in the ship.
4. Qualification Requirements. General qualification requirements are contained in MILPERSMAN 1410360.
a. The normal time limit for achieving qualification in submarines is nine months on board the AGSS and 12 months on board an SSN/SSBN. If an enlisted man has been attached to a submarine for 21 months or has had 15 months in an operating submarine and has not qualified in submarines, the Commanding Officer shall, unless the circumstances of the particular case dictate otherwise, recommend the individual for disqualification and transfer from submarines. With the exception of Midshipmen on cruise, a minimum time of 6 months (not in shipyard) is required for qualification. Requests for waivers of these time requirements (not required for Midshipmen) shall be forvarded to COMSUBLANT (N2)/COMSUBPAC (Code 24) via the chain of command.
b. Personnel who are either not in submarine source ratings (i.e., CTs and SEALS) or in submarine source rating but have attained special qualifications not utilized in submarines (i.e., SEALS) may, at the Commanding Officer's discretion, qualify in submarines. A minimum time of 6 months On board an operational submarine is required for qualification. After meeting the requirements for qualification in submarines, the individual shall forward a request via his parent command to CHNAVPERS (PERS-403) requesting assignment of the SG or SS (Desig 5) designator, as appropriate. MILPERSMAN 1410360 applies.
5. Requalification Requirements. Personnel designated as "Qualified in Submarines" but who are not qualified in the submarine in which they are serving and those who have been absent from submarine duty for periods in excess of one year, shall be required to requalify. The time authorized for each individual to requalify in submarines will be determined and established by the commanding officer based on the needs of the ship and the individual.
6. Failure to Qualify or Requalify. Procedures to be followed in the cases of men failing to qualify or requalify are contained in MILPERSMAN 1410360 and
7. Qualification Organization. An organization for qualification shall be established by the Commanding Officer. The following personnel are considered the minimum necessary to administer the qualification program in an effective manner:
a. Commanding Officer - establish the qualification policy and act on all cases of extension of time requirements and disqualifications.
b. Executive Officer - supervise the execution of the qualification program and ensure the maintenance of a uniformly high standard of qualification. Ensure qualification entries are made in service records and the personnel accounting system.
c. Qualification Officer - coordinate and administer the qualification program. Ensure that a detailed qualification guide which lists the minimum requirements for all systems and compartments is maintained and that it is promulgated and used by officers and enlisted Qualification Petty Officers. The qualification officer must be an officer qualified in submarines. Maintain a list of designated officers and enlisted Qualification Petty Officers.
d. Chief of the Boat - will be actively involved in the qualification program and assist the qualification officer for all enlisted qualification matters.
e. Department Heads - maintain individual department qualification records, including watchstanding requirements and procedures. Verify completion of department requirements. Determine the watch station qualification requirements for each individual assigned to the department.
f. Division Officers/Leading Petty Officers - actively monitor the qualification program within their divisions to ensure that the desired progress and required quality of qualification is achieved.
g. Officers designated by the Executive Officer - assist the Qualification Officer in examining and signing of completed requirements for qual ification.
h. Chief petty officers and enlisted Qualification Petty Officers designated by the qualification officer - instruct unqualified men in systems, compartments and procedures. Sign off requirements after proficiency has been demonstrated.
8. Qualifications Procedures
a. Submarine qualification procedures for all personnel will normally follow the order outlined below:
Phase I- General Submarine Orientation II- Damage Control Equipment and Casualty Control III- Departmental and Watchstanding Qualification IV- Ship Construction and Systems V - Final Examination
Enclosure (1) establishes the minimum requirements for each phase of the submarine qualification process and briefly discusses the corresponding level of knowledge. The separate phases of the qualification program are designed to satisfy the basic goals of submarine qualification outlined in paragraph 3. The initial emphasis of the submarine qualification process is on submarine orientation, damage control and casualty control, The primary emphasis of the overall process is on watchstanding. The order specified above should be followed unless unusual situations (lengthy overhaul, etc.) dictate otherwise. Each unqualified individual reporting onboard will receive a specified path to submarine qualification in terms of expected watch station qualification, corresponding time limits and a final qualification date. The final qualification date should normally conform to the time limitations specified in paragraph 4.
b. Phase III personnel will complete a basic in-port and an underway watch station qualification prior to entering Phase IV. As an example an unqualified Electronics Technician (3353) will normally complete qualification as Shutdown Electrical operator and Reactor Technician prior to entering Phase IV. As another example, a Radioman will normally complete Operations Department qualification, Radio Watchstander and Petty Officer of the Deck requirements prior to commencing Phase IV. For those personnel who do not normally stand operational or ship control watches (MS, HM, Leading SK, RI Leading YN), submarine qualification will consist of Phases I and II, departmental requirements, Phase IV and Phase V. All personnel will continue departmental qualification while in Phase IV, but need not complete more than the basic watch stations for Phase III.
C. The variation in the path each individual takes to complete submarine qualification acknowledges the wide differences found in the training of personnel who man today's complex submarines and allows flexibility to adjust to the different needs of each command. While the paths may vary, the basic goals specified in paragraph 3 will be upheld and specified time limits will be met. The submarine qualification procedures specified in this instruction place emphasis on the role of the department head, division officers and leading petty officers as they are the key individuals in the design and monitoring of all phases of the qualification process.
9. Qualification Examinations. Examinations for the designation "Qualified in Submarines" will consist of:
a. Phases I and IV requirements - checked and signed off by designated enlisted Qualification Petty Officers and examined by a designated officer or chief petty officer.
b. Phase II damage control and casualty control requirements - checked and signed off by designated enlisted Qualification Petty Officers, tested by a comprehensive written examination, and examined and certified by the Damage Control Assistant.
c. Phase III departmental and watchstanding requirements - checked and signed off by designated departmental petty officers, examined by the division officer and certified by the department head or Commanding Officer, as appropriate.
d. Phase V final examination - upon completion of the requirements in a through c above, each candidate will complete a comprehensive walkthrough of the ship and final qualification board.
10. Action. Each submarine Commanding Officer shall issue an instruction' governing tk- enlisted qualification program for his ship. The instruction shall include an appropriate level of knowledge delineating the specific requirements for submarine qualification, shall include the minimum requirements specified in enclosure (1), and shall adhere to the general philosophy and guidance promulgated in this instruction.
11. Implementation. This instruction is effective upon receipt. Personnel who have progressed sufficiently in qualification under a previous system normally should contplete qualification under that system unless the Commanding Officer determines that completion under the'new system will be more beneficial to the individuals concerned.
J.D. VON SUSKIL ALBERT H. KONETZNI, JR. Chief of Staff Chief of Staff
Distribution:
SNDL Parts I and 2
24G SUBMARINE FORCE COMMANDERS (COMSUBLANT-N24(2)) (COMSUBPAC-003(l),N2(2)) 26VV SUBMARINE FORCE SHIPYARD REPRESENTATIVE 28K SUBMARINE GROUP and SQUADRON 29N SUBMARINE (SSN) 29Q FLEET BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINE (SSBN) 29P2 AUXILIARY RESEARCH SUBMARINE (AGSS), PAC 29S RESEARCH SUBMARINE (NUCLEAR) (NR) FT38 NAVSUBTRACENPAC FT49 NAVGMSCOL FT54 NAVSUBSCOL FT85 TRITRAFAC FT95 SUBTRAFAC
Minimum Enlisted Requirements For Qualification in Submarines
The following are the minimum requirements to be incorporated in each ship's instruction for enlisted qualification in submarines:
1. Phase I Requirements - General Submarine Orientation
a. Organization and Regulations (SSORM).
b. Safety Precautions (SSORM) (i.e. Fire Watch Responsibilities, Welding RequireMents, Seawater System Requi rements , Entering Tanks, and Voids) . c. Battle Stations Procedures. d. First Aid. e. Security. f. Radiation Protection, Nuclear Power Plant Indoctrination and Remote Operability of Key Reactor Plant Valves Indoctrination g. Atmosphere Control h. Tagout Procedure Indoctrination. I. Sound Silencing Awareness. j. Basic Valve Operations (non-nuclear).
k. Watch Station Orientation/Indoctrination. Orientation at various watch stations as determined by the command to provide newly reported unqualified personnel with some degree of understanding of the functions and interrelationship required of the various watch stations.
The specific purpose of Phase I - General Submarine Orientation - is to provide a thorough indoctrination of all newly reported, unqualified personnel. The intent is to expose each such individual to an overview of the ship with specific instruction in the areas of immediate concern (safety, security, etc.).
2. Phase II Requirements - Damage Control Equipment and Casualty Control
a. Know the location and use of all damage control and emergency equipment throughout the ship including limitations and precautions where applicable.
b. Demonstrate proficiency on the following selected equipment as a minimum:
(1) OBA (2) EAB (3) Fire Fighting Ensemble (FFE) (4) All types of fire extinguishers (5) Fire hose (6) Submersible pump (7) Bandit kit (8) Navy Fire Fighting Thermal Imager (NFTI) (9) All items in a tool roll
c. Know the Emergency Bills of the Ship's Operating Procedures (SOP)/SSORM/SSM including the in-port and underway organization of damage control parties.
d. Locate the principal electrical distribution panels in the vicinity of watch and living spaces and be familiar with the electrical loads supplied therefrom.
e. Demonstrate a comprehension of the ship's casualty control procedures.
f. Understand the use of the ship's interior communications systems and demonstrate proficiency as a sound powered phone talker.
g. Checked and signed off by designated enlisted Qualification Petty Officers, satisfactorily pass a comprehensive written examination on damage control equipment and casualty control, and finally, examined and certified by the Damage Control Assistant.
The purpose of Phase II - Damage Control Equipment and Casualty Control - is to train non-qualified personnel to a point where they can actively participate in combatting any casualty and can use all onboard damage control equipment.
3. Phase III Requirements - Departmental and Watchstanding Qualification. Phase III requirements are those established by the cognizant department head and approved by the Commanding Officer. As such, these departmental and watchstanding requirements will be in accordance with departmental directives and/or the separate ship's watch qualification procedures. The intent of Phase III is to produce a watchstander who is functional at the watch station and in the area where he works and stands watch. Phase III requires specialization to attain the desired watchstanding proficiency.
4. Phase IV Requirements - Ship Construction and Systems. The requirements of this phase of enlisted submarine qualification are separated into two categories - Category I includes the basic elements of ship construction and ship systems that require an in-depth knowledge. These items as listed below, are essential to a knowledge of submarines, mandatory in terms of safety, and required for casualty control.
Category I
a. Ship Construction, Tanks and Compartments. b. Trim and Drain. c. Depth Control System. d. Air Systems to include HP air, MBT blow, Service air, and LP air. e. Venti1ation. f. Main and Auxiliary Electric Power. g. Ship Service Hydraulics. h. Steering and Diving Hydraulics. i. External Hydraulics. j. Flood Control System. k. Escape and Rescue Systems.
Category 11 includes general knowledge requirements designed to ensure each individual is thoroughly conversant with his ship. While in-depth knowledge is not required, a general understanding is necessary.
Category 11 a. Sensors (Sonar, ESM, Radar, Periscopes). b. Weapons (Systems and Safety). c. Propulsion Plant. d. Masts and Antennas. e. Topside Arrangements/Bridge Areas. f. Atmosphere Control . g. Fuel-Oil and Compensating Water Systems. h. Diesel. i. Sanitary System. j. Snorkel System. k. Secondary/Emergency Propulsion. 1. Potable Water. m. Fire Control System (Torpedo/Missile). n. Navigation Equipment. o. Radio. p. TDU System. q. Anchor/Windlass
5. Phase V Requirements - Final Examination. The final examination will include the following:
a. A walk-through-the-ship examination emphasizing general conpartmental knowledge (to be done in company with a submarine qualified officer or chief petty officer). This will include the ability to rig each space for Dive, as a minimum.
b. An examination by at least one submarine qualified officer and two qualified CPO/senior petty officers to determine the candidate's overall knowledge of the ship. This requirement may be met by a qualification board consisting of at least one qualified officer and at least two qualified CPOs/ senior petty officers.