ASSESSING THE TREATMENT OF THE HUMAN ELEMENT WITHIN THE NAVAL CLASS REGIME

摘要

Human system issues are some of the most difficult to address in the design and operation of naval ships, being pervasive and associated with many stakeholders. Changes in the acquisition context e.g. reduced manning, new technology, outsourcing, new legislation also affect the human element. Human error potential can figure significantly, and risk reduction measures frequently include the human operator. Consideration of the human element is therefore an important and complex part of safety assurance. Finding a solution that is safe and effective may require complex tradeoffs. Initiatives such as Human Factors Integration (HFI) have brought about a more systematic consideration of the human element. However, many challenges remain. As an independent body, a class society can have a useful role to play in consideration of the human element. ISO PAS 18152:2003: A specification for the process assessment of human-system issues provides a reference standard for giving assurance of safe and effective operation, complemented by demonstrations in representative conditions of use. The standard supports the systems approach, and gives assessments of project risk before resources are committed. The paper outlines ISO PAS 18152 and its application to warship design and operation within a naval class regime. The adoption of commercial standards provides a source of practical examples of the application of the standard. Equipment that has proved perfectly serviceable in the merchant ship world may not prove compatible with naval operation. Maintenance and support strategies are also very different. The trade-offs to be made are discussed.