You should permit only reliable, mentally sound, and physically fit persons to work with or use explosives and ammunition. Make sure their qualification and certification are current. QUALIFICATION  PROCEDURES Personnel qualify at various levels, such as team member, quality assurance, and safety observer. We discuss  the  different  qualification  levels  in  later  para- graphs. Explosive  devices  are  segregated  into  representa- tive “family types.”  That prevents the need for personnel to qualify on every type of ordnance or ammunition. Personnel  qualify  by  demonstrating  their  skills  before  a certified  member  of  the  certification  board.  They  show each  evolution  they  will  perform  (for  example, assembly  and  testing)  on  the  specific  explosive  device, represented  by  a  family  type  of  device,  if  appropriate. The  person  qualifying  must  know  the  documentation, such as a technical manual, that applies to each device and how to use it. QUALIFICATION  LEVELS As with any qualification process in the Navy, there are   different   levels   and   minimum   standards   for certification.  The  qualification  levels  and  corresponding basic qualification standards are as follows: 1. Team Member (TM):  Members must have an awareness  of  basic  safety  precautions  about  the  work task and explosive devices concerned. They must have received  formal  or  on-the-job  training  and  must  have been  recommended  by  their  immediate  supervisor. NOTE: TM qualified personnel will perform in team concept only under supervision of a Team Leader. 2. Individual/Team Leader (I/TL):  Team  Leaders must have the same basic qualifications as a TM. They must   have   sufficient   knowledge   and   must   have demonstrated the skill required to be entrusted with performing  the  work  task  alone  or  to  direct  the performance  of  others  in  safe  and  reliable  operations. They must be capable of interpreting the requirements of  applicable  checklists  and  assembly/operating manuals. 3. Quality Assurance (QA):  QA  personnel  must have the same basic qualifications as an I/TL. They must have  a  detailed  knowledge  of  applicable  inspection criteria  for  the  explosive/device  system.  They  must  be able  to  determine  whether  an  explosive  device/system is functioning properly while in use. They must be able to  determine  whether  the  individual  followed  necessary assembly   or   installation   procedures   according   to applicable   directives. 4. Instructor (IN): Instructors must have the same basic qualification as an I/TE. They must have the required skills to instruct others and provide formal training  using  an  approved  course  of  instruction. 5. Safety Observer (SO): Safety  observers  must know  enough  about  safety  procedures  and  the functioning  of  safety  devices  to  decide  on  actions needed  to  counter  improperly  used  procedures  or  safety devices.  NOTE:  This level of qualification does not build on any other level of qualification. CERTIFICATION  PROCEDURE The  commanding  officer  or  officer  in  charge  (OIC) of each unit or naval activity involved with explosives appoints  a  certification  board.  This  board  includes,  as  a minimum,  the  responsible  department  head  (or comparable  supervisory  representative  if  not  a department). The board also includes at least one person, E-6 or above, certified to perform the task, function, or evolution. In large units, such as aircraft carriers or weapons  stations/ammunition  depots,  the  department head  may  delegate  the  responsibility  for  certification. Additional  personnel  from  within  or  outside  the command may increase the board as appointed by the commanding  officer  or  OIC. Once   qualified   and   recommended,   personnel receive  their  final  certification.  The  commanding officer,  OIC,  or  the  appointed  head  of  the  certification board issues the final certification. You must make sure this information gets entered into your people’s training or  personnel  record.  In  addition,  you  must  keep  a certification sheet (fig. 9-1) in the operating area for each person performing operations covered by an oper- ating  procedure.  Activities  may  vary  the  certification sheet  formats  to  satisfy  specific  requirements. Duration of Certification Certification,  unless  revoked,  is  valid  for  a maximum  of  12  months.  The  certification  board confirms a renewal of the certification, whether issued at the time of expiration or later. The certification covers an  individual  or  a  team  qualification.  If  possible,  you should completely requalify personnel before renewing their certification. 9-8