scope:

a. This instruction applies to all ships of the United States Navy (active and reserve), except civilian operated ships assigned to the Military Sealift Command. Throughout this instruction, the term "ship" refers to all surface ships, aircraft carriers, submarines, and those patrol and service craft specified in reference (a). Reference (b) provides policy and guidance for maintenance of service craft and boats not addressed in reference (a).

b. The Ship Maintenance Program is one of two major components of Navy's program for maintenance and modernization of ships, which, in its entirety, defines and manages the material condition requirements and the configuration of Navy ships. The ship Maintenance Program is designed to keep ships at the highest level of material condition practicable, and to provide reasonable assurance of their availability for operations to the Fleet Commanders. The second major component, the Fleet Modernization Program (FMP), is designed to maintain the integrity of ship configuration as changes are authorized. While the maintenance and modernization programs and budgets are distinct, the programs are closely related in their planning and execution. This instruction addresses the Ship Maintenance Program, with reference to modernization, as necessary. The Fleet Modernization Program is addressed by reference (c).

c. This instruction applies to the three echelons of maintenance: organizational-, intermediate-, and depot-level. Enclosures (1), (2), and (3), respectively, address these maintenance echelons.