1. SUBSAFE Approved for Public Release
On April 10, 1963, while engaged in a deep test dive, the nuclear submarine USS THRESHER (SSN 593) was lost at sea with all persons aboard. Based on the findings of a Court of Inquiry and the subsequent Joint Congressional Committee on Atomic Energy hearings into the loss of the THRESHER, it was concluded that a flooding casualty in the engine room, resulting from a piping failure in one of the sea water systems, was the most probable cause of the loss.
Approved for Public Release

2. Lives Lost Aboard the U.S.S. Thresher
The following men were lost while serving on USS Thresher (SSN-593).
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

3. SUBMARINE SAFETY (SUBSAFE) PROGRAM
NAVSEA
Revision C
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

4. SUBSAFE Requirements
Current requirements for the SUBSAFE Program are invoked in the Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) Certification Manual, NAVSEA , Revision C.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

5. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

6. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

7. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

8. Identification of SUBSAFE Items
Approved for Public Release

9. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

10. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

11. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

12. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

13. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

14. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

15. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

16. 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.
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release

17. Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) Program
USS VIRGINIA heading out on initial sea trials
SUBSAFE
Approved for Public Release