RFA Wave Class Compliance with OME Regulations

The Challenge

The development of the AO-TIDE Class Explosive Safety Case Report (CESCR) presented several complex challenges, not least the AO-TIDE Class explosives safety arrangements hadn’t previously been assessed against the requirements of MAP 01-103 Part 2. The creation of an initial issue CESCR was therefore required which was to draw upon evidence and data gathered from both a ships visit and disparate MOD IT systems, to which access was essential.

Our Solution

Our approach was to maximise knowledge transfer to the client from our Weapons Ordnance Munitions Explosives (WOME) experts. The aim was to support the client by enhancing their levels of explosives safety awareness, create a comprehensive audit trail of compliance evidence, overcome their shortfall in SQEP resources and create an exemplar CESCR based on best practices.

We developed a clear and logical programme of work involving all stakeholders, to gather relevant information, determine compliance to standards and regulations, undertake robust risk assessment and develop the CESCR. Where required, guidance was sought from the Naval Authority and Technology Group Explosives to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and regulations. Our activities included:

• Data collection: Our WOME experts used their in-depth knowledge of explosives standards, regulations and policies to effectively capture all relevant documentation requirements. The information was then collated and analysed in a robust safety compliance assessment.
• Ship OME Survey visit: Involved a visit to a vessel in Class to verified AO-TIDE magazine arrangements, including magazine locations, explosives safety systems and equipment, OME outload and stowages, ammunition routes, armament, firefighting arrangements and weapon locations.

The survey was co-ordinated with the Ship’s Staff to reduce disruption and minimise costs within the agreed project schedule. This approach ensured suitable onboard personnel were identified and available, whose valuable input addressed gaps identified during data collection and significantly improved the quality of the final deliverable.

• Organisation and conduct of a Class Explosives Hazard Log Review and Ship Explosive Threat Hazard Assessment (SETHA) Workshop in accordance with Defence procedures and Safety Authority guidance to:
  • Identify and validate credible threats to the initiation of OME whilst stowed onboard;
  • Establish/identify risk control measures that prevent or reduce the risk;
  • Assess the risk to personnel;
  • Assess the risk of escalation of the initial explosive event;
  • Record all risks risks in the Class Hazard Log raised as a consequence of a credible threat to the initiation of OME.

With agreement from the relevant Authorities, the SETHA methodology was tailored to suit the Platform’s design evolution since build.

During the SETHA, stakeholders were briefed on all relevant issues regarding policy, regulations, generic hazards and OME outloads for AO-TIDE class vessels during all possible operational scenarios. Stakeholder Management is key to the success of a SETHA workshop, so we developed a novel technique for gathering stakeholder input so that all requirements could be captured and implemented. This approach has since been utilised as best practice for other RFA and RN Platform Authority Teams.

• Production of the AO-TIDE CESCR: We incorporated collated evidence into a structured CESCR to present a robust explosives safety argument that claimed embarked OME, their storage and associated activities are safe and compliant with MoD policy, regulations and legislation.  The CESCR also highlights any OME safety shortfalls and associated actions.

Client Benefits

The key benefits to the client from this work included:

• Safety Justification Evidence: We provided the client with the evidence needed to achieve explosives certification as well as regulator endorsement of the procedures and processes used;
• Achievement of Key Milestones: We managed additional tasks throughout the project and speedily resolved any issues, which ensured high-quality deliverables that met client needs and were delivered on time, improving the reputation of the client.
• Knowledge transfer: From the Safeguard Engineering team to the client, improving their overall OME competence.
• Continuity: As a result of this support to our client, we provide continued management and updates of both then Class Explosives Hazard Log and CESCR to maintain accuracy, currency and continuity.

Our client benefited from our vast maritime military experience, our detailed understanding of the initial challenge and a close relationship with the stakeholder community. With the clients’ permission, we engaged with all relevant stakeholders, from Ship’s Staff to the Naval Authority and Regulator to maximise benefit to the programme.  We pride ourselves on our ability to provide our clients with cost-effective, value-adding advice and guidance whilst reducing our reliance on them for information. It is this kind of legacy that we like to leave with our clients, knowing that we can be trusted with a complex challenge and deliver an innovative solution that not only meets the requirement but allows the client’s team to be more resilient and capable in the future.