Date(s) of inspection:
Aim of inspection
In compliance with licence condition 11 (emergency arrangements), clause 5, BAE Systems Marine Limited (BAESML) undertakes an emergency arrangements demonstration exercise on an annual basis. This was a planned intervention to evaluate the adequacy of implementation of BAESML's LC11 arrangements through observation of an end-to-end test.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC11 - Emergency arrangements - Rating - Amber
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
A team of six ONR inspectors observed BAESML's emergency demonstration exercise 'INDIGO 22', making observations in the Nuclear Emergency Headquarters (NEHQ) (tactical & operational), Exclusion Zone Reception Centre (EZRC), and technical cell, as well as observations of the deployed teams.
Whilst some individual good performances were noted, after considering the totality of the observations made by ONR inspectors (and others) on the day, I judged that this was not an adequate demonstration of BAESML’s emergency arrangements, and that a full redemonstration was necessary, to be undertaken by the end of April 2023. Key themes identified in the observations were a significant lack of demonstrable situational awareness and poor communication and information flow, both within and between groups. A level 3 regulatory issue was created to track BAESML’s progress in identifying and addressing the shortfalls.
ONR sent a letter to BAESML shortly after the exercise with detailed observations from all aspects of the exercise to aid in BAESML's closure of the identified shortfalls.
Conclusion
I judge that this was not an adequate demonstration of BAESML’s emergency arrangements, and have therefore rated the intervention as AMBER - 'Seek Improvement'. This rating is in line with the established ONR guidance.
- Significant shortfall against an identified relevant good practice when compared with appropriate benchmarks.
I have raised level 3 Regulatory Issue RI-11096 to track BAESML’s progress in identifying and addressing the shortfalls.