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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
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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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