Naval Operations (N4, N87, N86, and N88) and the systems commanders in effecting, maintaining, and improving   the   Afloat   Safety   Program.   COM- NAVSAFECEN  recommends  revisions  to  OPNAV- INST 5100.19B about safety standards for forces afloat and  periodically  reviews  and  revises  OPNAVINST 5100.21B.  Naval  Safety  Center  personnel,  also  act  as technical  consultants  for  all  afloat  safety  training.  At least  annually,  COMNAVSAFECEN  reports  on  the Afloat  Safety  Program  compliance  to  the  assistant Chiefs of Naval Operations. These reports are based on the analysis of data collected during safety surveys. COMNAVSAFECEN   provides   an   advisor   to mishap investigation boards for Class A mishaps. The commander  coordinates,  with  the  type  commander (TYCOM),  recommendations  for  investigation  of  other than  Class  A  mishaps  that  may  warrant  a  mishap investigation  board.  When  agreed  upon  with  the  type commander,  COMNAVSAFECEN  also  provides  an advisor for mishap investigation boards for other than Class  A  mishaps. COMNAVSAFECEN  determines,  when  appro- priate and if requested, the privileged or nonprivileged status  of  all  mishap  investigation  board  evidence. COMNAVSAFECEN  conducts  the  final  review  and analysis of mishap investigation reports (MIRs). He or she endorses MIRs and provides a copy to all endorsers. me Naval Safety Center retains, as the custodian, MIRs and  the  endorsements  for  at  least  5  years.  COM- NAVSAFECEN  checks  the  completion  of  corrective action resulting from an MIR. Sanitizing MIRs and endorsements for use in safety training  upon  request  is  another  COMNAVSAFECEN responsibility.  Sanitizing  includes  removing  all  identi- fiable data that could connect the report to an individual, organization, or particular mishap. COMNAVSAFE- CEN promptly distributes essential information, such as lessons learned, to cognizant commands. The Naval Safety Center also maintains a centralized historical safety  data  repository. TYPE COMMANDERS Submarine, surface, air, Naval Reserve, and MSC TYCOMs ensure subordinate afloat commands set in motion  and  maintain  the  Afloat  Safety  Program. Through  group  and  squadron  commanders,  TYCOMs foster  a  positive  atmosphere  that  encourages  and demands continuous attention to hazard identification, mishap  prevention,  and  proper  reporting. TYCOMs  ensure  the  correction  of  documented hazards receives priority during availability planning. Additionally,  they  make  sure  subordinate  units  conduct timely   and   complete   shipboard   safety   mishap investigations. A TYCOM directs the formal investi- gation of any Class B mishap. Additionally, a TYCOM directs a mishap investigation board in the investigation of  other  mishaps  if  the  investigation  may  reveal  vital safety   information. TYCOMs will provide and maintain the overall Quality Assurance (QA) Program as an integral part of mishap prevention. In maintaining the QA Program, they must strive to eliminate the hazards in dangerous shipboard  systems.  TYCOMs  coordinate  with  the COMNAVSAFECEN,  COMNAVSEASYSCOM,  and other technical agencies in providing aid to the mishap board,  when  requested. GROUP AND SQUADRON COMMANDERS Group   and   squadron   commanders   ensure subordinate  commands  execute  and  maintain  the  Afloat Safety Program according to the policy and philosophy of   OPNAVINST   5100.19B.   They   must   include elements  of  this  program  in  command  inspections, including evaluation of the QA process in maintaining shipboard systems. They also help units identify hazards beyond their capability to correct in the availability work  package.  The  units  should  then  schedule  the correction  of  these  hazards. Additionally,  group  and  squadron  commanders ensure   subordinate   commands   include   mishap prevention, investigation, and reporting in their group and  squadron  training  requirements.  The  TYCOM directs  this  training.  Finally,  group  and  squadron commanders  make  sure  commanding  officers  are informed  of  hazardous  conditions  and  of  specific hazards  identified  by  a  mishap  investigation. GROUP OR SQUADRON SAFETY OFFICER The group or squadron safety officer acts as the principal advisor to the commander for the Afloat Safety Program.  Group  and  squadron  safety  officers  were  first assigned as a primary duty in 1991. These fill-time safety  officers  provide  continuity  in  the  chain  of command  for  safety  matters  from  the  ships  to  the TYCOM. The group or squadron safety officer maintains appropriate safety records and mishap statistics. He or she then makes this information available to a mishap board  upon  request.  The  group  or  squadron  safety 7-3