SUBSAFE

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SUBSAFE
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Lives Lost Aboard the U.S.S. Thresher
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SUBMARINE SAFETY(SUBSAFE) PROGRAM

• NAVSEA 0924-062-0010

• Revision C

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SUBSAFE Requirements

• Current requirements for the SUBSAFE Program are
  invoked in the Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE)
  Certification Manual, NAVSEA 0924-062-0010,
  Revision C.

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SUBSAFE Requirements

• The SUBSAFE Program provides a maximum reasonable
  assurance of the integrity of submarine design,
  systems and materials via Design Review,
  Shipboard System Testing and Objective Quality
  Evidence (OQE) that all materials and components
  meet drawing and specification requirements.

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Objective Quality Evidence (OQE)

• OQE is a statement of fact, either quantitative
  or qualitative, pertaining to the quality of a
  product or service based on observations,
  measurements, or tests that can be verified.

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Identification of SUBSAFE Items

• SUBSAFE Certification requirements are
  incorporated into Electric Boat Purchase Orders.
• Identification of SUBSAFE material on the
  Electric Boat Purchase Order is by way of the EB
  REF ONLY SMC CAT field of the part description.
• A 1 in this field signifies that the part is a
  SUBSAFE or Hull Integrity (HI) certification
  item.

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Identification of SUBSAFE Items
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SUBSAFE Requirements

• SUBSAFE Certification is accomplished by the
  Shipbuilder after installation of material or
  components onto the ship. Certification uses the
  OQE provided by the supplier which is then
  entered into the Electric Boat Material Quality
  System (MQS), after acceptance of the material by
  Electric Boat Supplier Quality Assurance.

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SUBSAFE Certification/Inspection Attributes

• Electric Boat certification/inspection attributes
  invoked in the Purchase Order include the
  following
• Verification of Material (Chemical and Mechanical
  Test results along with all Metallurgical Tests
  required by the applicable Military Specification
  of Drawing).
• NDT required by the applicable specification or
  drawing.
• Hydrostatic Testing required by specification or
  drawing.

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SUBSAFE Effects

• Production or Operation Testing required by
  specification or drawing.
• Torque certification for installed fasteners,
  when required by the drawing and specified in the
  Purchase Order.
• Traceability of all Level I or SUBSAFE parts for
  the raw materials used.
• Inspection of the hardware includes a complete
  verification of all visible traceability
  markings.
• Inspection of the hardware also confirms
  compliance dimensional attributes required by the
  drawing.

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SUBSAFE Affects

• Visual inspection of the hardware is also
  performed to ensure compliance with all visual
  and surface finish requirements.
• All Welding, NDT and Testing (when required)
  Procedures are verified to be previously approved
  by Electric Boat on a Vendor Procedure Approval
  Request (VPAR) Form.

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SUBSAFE Certification Requirements for Suppliers

• Obtain and Review Raw Material Chemical and
  Mechanical Test Reports.
• Maintain Traceability from hardware to the Test
  Reports through all phases of processing and
  manufacture.
• Perform all required NDT and provide Test Reports
  of the NDT.
• Insure that all Special Processes (NDT, Welding,
  etc.) has been accomplished in accordance with
  Electric Boat approved procedures.
• Insure welding is accomplished in accordance with
  weld procedures and Drawing requirements and
  provide all weld records, as required by the
  process specification.

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SUBSAFE Certification Requirements for Suppliers

• Perform all Testing required by the
  Specification, Drawing and Purchase Order and
  provide Test Reports for the Testing.
• Insure that all documentation meets the
  requirements of Electric Boat Specification 2678
  H, Appendix A.
• Assemble the Documentation Package, including an
  Assembly Record, when required.
• Visually and Dimensionally inspect hardware to
  verify compliance with Specification, Drawing and
  Purchase Order requirements.
• Insure all Traceability Marking is on the
  hardware and is legible.
• Insure adequate protection is provided during
  shipment and all shipping containers are properly
  identified.

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Typical Certification Errors Identified During
NAVSEA Audits

• Incorrect traceability data entered on the OQE.
• Incorrect VPAR referenced for NDT or Welding
  Procedure used.
• Torque Record indicates an incorrect torque or
  incorrect lubricant was used.
• Raw material is in an incorrect heat treatment
  condition.

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Who is Responsible for Submarine Safety?

• Submarine Safety is the responsibility of all
  parties involved, from the manufacturer of the
  raw material, through installation and test
  onboard a nuclear submarine. The lives of the US
  Navy sailors depend upon compliance to the strict
  guidelines of the Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE)
  Program.

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Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) Program

• USS VIRGINIA heading out on initial sea trials

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