What inspection is scheduled by higher authority, without the knowledge of the commanding officer, to determine if the ship is fit for continued naval service?

The correct choice pertains to the INSURV inspection, which stands for the Board of Inspection and Survey. This inspection is crucial as it is scheduled by higher authorities, such as the Chief of Naval Operations or other naval commands, and is conducted without prior notice to the commanding officer of the ship in question. The primary goal of an INSURV inspection is to assess the readiness and suitability of a ship for continued naval service. It evaluates various aspects, including the condition of equipment and systems, crew performance, and overall operational capability.

By receiving an unannounced inspection, the integrity of the assessment is maintained, allowing inspectors to get a true reflection of the ship's operational status at any given time. This ensures that any potential deficiencies or issues that could affect the ship's mission readiness are identified and addressed promptly.