What inspection is scheduled by higher authority without the knowledge of the commanding officer?

The inspection that is scheduled by higher authority without the knowledge of the commanding officer is known as INSURV, which stands for the Board of Inspection and Survey. This type of inspection can take place unannounced and is conducted to ensure that ships and other naval units meet established standards for readiness, maintenance, and operational capability. INSURV inspections are critical assessments that focus on the overall state of the vessel, covering a wide array of areas including material condition, crew readiness, and systems functionality.

This type of inspection serves several purposes, including verifying the proper functioning of equipment and systems, assessing the adequacy of crew training and preparedness, and identifying any deficiencies that need to be addressed. The element of surprise in such inspections is intended to provide an accurate assessment of readiness in real-world conditions, rather than a scenario that might be prepared for a scheduled visit.

Other types of inspections mentioned in the options have different functions and typical operational protocols. For instance, PEB refers to the Physical Evaluation Board, which deals with the assessment of service members' medical conditions, while ORI (Operational Readiness Inspection) is generally conducted with prior notification to evaluate a unit's readiness and compliance with policy. PMS, or Planned Maintenance System, focuses on the routine upkeep of