Department Head The department head implements and super- vises the execution of PQS topics that pertain to the department.    The department head also qualifies personnel for watch stations and for equipment/systems operations. The department head should do the following: Set standards and monitor the depart- ment’s PQS program Approve watch station qualification and recommend final qualification to the commanding officer or approve final qualification if so designated Designate in writing those individuals who serve as qualifiers Coordinate with division officers, CPOs, and LPOs the watch station qualifications and advancement goals of departmental personnel Approve division’s recommendations for tailoring PQS standards and standard answers Recommend interim qualification of watch standers, as necessary Serve as chairman of the departmental examining board (if such a board is required) PQS Coordinator Another key individual in PQS matters is the command’s PQS coordinator. The PQS coordi- nator (either an officer or senior petty officer) should be the focal point for all PQS matters that transcend the departmental level. The PQS coordinator is responsible for ordering all departmental PQS materials. In this latter role, the coordinator should order and store all-hands PQS materials, such as general damage-control and 3-M materials. The PQS coordinator should be a senior petty officer who is highly interested in training. In addition, the coordinator should have sufficient onboard experience to be familiar with each department’s training and qualification program. The PQS coordinator should perform the following duties: Maintain the basic system references Maintain PQS software (standards, pro- gress charts, and so forth) Order sufficient, but not excessive, quanti- ties of all-hands PQS materials, 3-M materials, and so forth Function as the central point for order- ing all PQS materials Advise the executive officer and planning board for training on all PQS matters Prepare any external PQS reports for the command when directed by higher autho- rity Executive Officer/Training Officer The  executive  officer/training  officer  is responsible for formulating and administering the unit’s training program. PQS should be an important part of that program. The executive officer/training officer should do the follow- ing: Act as an overall training supervisor Maintain and update the unit’s instruction on PQS and the unit’s notice designating the qualifiers Monitor the PQS program through the PQS coordinator and the planning board for training and review progress reports/ charts Reinforce command emphasis on PQS by linking it to routine administrative practices, the granting of special requests, the recommendation for advancement, and so forth Commanding Officer The key ingredient to a successful PQS program is the personal involvement of the commanding officer. The commanding 4-13