Which form is used to authorize the start of work on all ships systems and equipment by activities other than the Ship's Force?

• A. Departure from specifications (DFS)
• B. Calibration stickers
• C. Work Authorization Form (WAFs)
• D. Quality Assurance Tags

Answer: (C)

When work on ship systems is to be done by personnel other than the Ship's Force, a formal go-ahead is required to ensure safety, proper sequencing, and clear responsibility. The form used to grant that permission is the Work Authorization Form. It documents the exact task, location, time window, required permits, and safety controls, and it names who is responsible, ensuring coordination between the ship’s crew and any outside workers. It also sets expectations for hazard controls, lockout/tagout, and communication during the job, so work only starts after this authorization is in place.

Departure from specifications records deviations from approved requirements; calibration stickers simply indicate that an instrument has been calibrated; and Quality Assurance Tags show QA status or verification but do not authorize work. Hence, the Work Authorization Form is the correct mechanism to authorize start of work by activities other than the Ship's Force.