Inspection Records Retention

Authority

MCO 5040.6K, Enclosure 1, Chapter 6, Section 3 directs retention of inspection reports and other records in accordance with the appropriate Department of the Navy records schedules. SECNAV M-5210.1 and MCO 5210.11F govern the retention schedules. The Command Designated Records Manager (CDRM) appointed in your unit owns the day-to-day retention posture.

What you sign

• The appointment letter for your CDRM, in CROSS where appointment letters are generated, or as a hardcopy uploaded into CROSS when generated outside the system.
• The NAVMC 10030 Commander's Records Management Acknowledgement Agreement, within 90 days of assuming command, per MCBul 5210 dated 29 Aug 2025.

What records retain

• Final Inspection Reports (FIRs) you receive.
• Corrective Action Reports (CARs) you submit, with supporting evidence of corrective action completion.
• CGIP inspection reports your CIG issues to your subordinate units.
• Waiver requests and the IGMC responses.

Exception path

If a records schedule conflict appears between MCO 5040.6K and a more specific schedule under SECNAV M-5210.1 or MCO 5210.11F, the records-specific authority controls. Route ambiguities to the CDRM and to IGMC for clarification before disposing of any inspection record.