Royal Australian Navy Submarine Escape and Rescue (SERS)

The Requirement

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Submarine Escape and Rescue Service (SERS) provide a capability for the recovery of submariners from a disabled Collins Class submarine, although the capability can be made available to other submarine operating nations.

We were contracted to produce a SERS Safety Case Report (SCR) for the Director Collins Class System Program Office (COLSPO) based at HMAS STIRLING, Garden Island, West Australia. COLSPO is responsible for generation and oversight of new projects and improvements to the COLLINS Class Submarine, including the approval of engineering configuration changes and providing technical advice.

Our Approach

We conducted the task in three phases. Phase 1 addressed Data Acquisition and Evaluation; Phase 2 SERS element Safety Assessments and Phase 3 was the production of the Safety Case Report.

The safety assessment process generated risk assessment sheets to facilitate the transfer of the assessment outcomes into the Submarine Hazard Log, within which SERS hazards are embedded. The outcomes were also used to inform the SCR.

Throughout each safety assessment, SERS capability operations, evolutions and activities were considered in order to identify hazards that may impact upon personnel safety, fitness for service, the mission and the environment.

Hazards were captured and risk was assessed within groups of suitably qualified and experienced SERS personnel. The assessment process also served to inform, and confirm where appropriate, Class Certification details and gaps in the body of evidence. These were recorded and articulated within the SCR.

The Outcome

Our Safety Case Report reflects the safety state of SERS in April 2008, using information determined from document review and gap analysis, and the seven Safety Assessments.

CAPT Bronko Ogrizek RAN, Director Collins System Program Office said:

"I am very pleased with the SERS Safety Case Report delivered by BMT.  It is clearly an independent, honest and fearless analysis of SERS safety status, organisation and arrangements, and gives me clear advice as to how we can improve and progressively move forward."