The Indian Navy, in recent years, has taken a quantum leap in
operational ability with the induction of a large number of sophisticated
platforms, deployed across all three dimensions. The fast pace of operations,
accentuated by increasing complexities often puts men and material under
strain, thus requiring stringent adherence to safety procedures. The Indian
Navy is sensitive of the fact that all naval evolutions need to be effectively
undertaken within a well defined safety operating envelope. Accordingly,
‘safety culture’ as a way of life, amongst personnel, traditionally forms a
part of naval ethos, and several initiatives have additionally been introduced
based on emerging requirements.
To inculcate a ‘think safety’
attitude amongst naval personnel, training in safety is undertaken from the ab-initio
stage itself and is reinforced at all stages of the naval career.
In case of a long lay-off such
as refits of ships and submarines, which could extend from a few months to a
year or more, ‘Safety Checks’ in harbour and at sea are undertaken prior to
declaring the ship/submarine ‘operational’. Safety also forms an important
aspect during the ‘work-up’ of a ship or submarine which is usually undertaken
at least once in two years. Work-up of ships are undertaken by a specialised
team of officers and sailors operating under the Flag Officer Sea Training
(FOST). Similar safety checks are undertaken for submarines, air-squadrons and
air bases by their respective Operational Authorities. Safety standards are
also ‘checked’ during audit and inspections by the Command Staff, during the
Annual Inspections by the Operational Authorities.
To further promote safety
culture, it was decided to introduce a framework comprising Safety Class
Authorities (SCAs) who essentially are experts in their respective fields.
These authorities undertake various safety related measures such as
promulgation of analysis of incidents/accidents, policy guidelines on safety,
safety awareness programmes, etc.
Post recent incidents onboard
submarines, safety stand-downs were ordered and extensive checks on weapon
related safety systems and audit of Standard Operating Procedures on all
operational submarines were ordered. In accordance with current regulations,
any incident is thoroughly investigated to not just identify any errors, but
more importantly, to address critical areas on material and training related
aspects so as to prevent recurrence of incidents. The analysis of all incidents
is also being promulgated to the concerned training establishments and
Operational Authorities for further dissemination of corrective measures.
As an added step, NHQ directed
conduct of safety ‘stand-down’ and a one-time safety audits prior operational
deployment of any ship or submarine. This has since been institutionalised as a
regular annual audit for all operational units. The procedures involve ‘Safety
Audits’ of all operational units by nominated teams at the Command and
Operational levels. Safety templates to undertake these audits in respect of
ships, submarines, air-squadrons and air-bases have also been promulgated.
Besides, water tight integrity and fire fighting preparedness of units under
refit have been ordered once a quarter. A feedback procedure has also been institutionalised
and is being monitored at Naval Headquarters.
The Indian Navy is seized of
the fact that safety of men and material is vital and is a necessary component
of any armed forces organisation. The promotion of safety culture and consciousness
is however not intended to curb the traditional naval ethos of initiative and
boldness. The observance of ‘safety first, safety always’ is therefore intended
to strengthen the professional approach to enhance combat capability and to
facilitate conduct of naval operations with the desired elan.
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DK/AK
03/2014