OK Jon-
Now i think I'm getting this! Could you ask your Navy buddy the following, as a check on my understanding?
If I test using a SMAW 10018 filler (in the A-5B group) on A-36 plate (in the S-1 Base Mat'l Group) and RT shows good, then I am now qualified to weld any Base metals in Groups S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, S-5, S-6 AND S-11 using fillers from Groups A-1B, A-2B, A-3B, A-6B, A-7B and A-5B (as long as fillers are appropriate for the joint and the service).
Is this the correct understanding for welder performance qualification testing?
Thanks and thanks again to your friend.
best regards to them and you.
Tom