Assessment of warship safety case procedures

Following the repeal of Crown immunity, which raised the possibility of servicemen suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for injuries caused by military service, the Secretary of State for Defence instigated a reform of the management of safety in HM warships. This reformation involves the production of a Safety Case for all new build warships, which not only operate in the hazardous environment of the sea but also carry explosive munitions, high quantities of fuel and various sophisticated weapons systems. In the past the MoD relied upon the various specialist sections within their own organisation to certify a ship and its systems as being safe. This is no longer sufficient and a formal Safety Management System must be employed. [Continues.]