Chapter  2—ADMINISTRATION,  SUPERVISION,  AND  TRAINING 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 Survey’s 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  builder’s  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 builder’s personnel operate the ship and its machinery. Ship’s 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  ship’s disposition. SHIP TRIALS There are a number of different types of trials which are carried out under specified conditions. A list comprising most of them is given here: 1. Builder’s trial. 2. Acceptance trials. 3. Final contract trials. 4.  Post  repair  trials. 5. Laying up or pre-overhaul trial. 6. Recommissioning trials. 7.  Standardization  trials. 8. Tactical trials. 9. Full power trials. 10. Economy trials. 2-49