Which authority has the ultimate responsibility for the final qualification sign-off?

The Commanding Officer holds the ultimate responsibility for the final qualification sign-off due to their leadership role within the command structure. As the senior officer, the Commanding Officer is accountable for the overall performance and readiness of the unit, which includes ensuring that personnel are adequately qualified for their positions. This decision-making authority encompasses reviewing qualifications and verifying that individuals have met all necessary training and performance standards.

In practice, while other positions such as the PQS Coordinator, Department Head, and Executive Officer play important roles in the qualification process—such as coordinating training and assessing skill proficiency—they ultimately report to and operate under the command of the Commanding Officer. Therefore, the Commanding Officer's final sign-off is critical in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the command's operational capabilities.