code_of_practice_V3_2019

12.10 OPERATION DEFINITION
12.10.1 A clearly defined outline for the expected operations of the MASS should be agreed to establish the nodes,
examples include:
n What will the MASS be doing whilst in operation?
n Where will the operation be conducted?
n Consider the MASS design and control room requirements and all associated equipment.
n What are the requirements of each discipline to allow safe and efficient operations?
n What are the potential issues and hazards that could be encountered whilst on operations, including
operational limitations for the vessel and a review of weather and sea state?
12.10.2 All disciplines should be considered at this phase from launch to return. Each element should be listed prior to
moving on to the next phase.
12.10.3 Hazards Identification. The hazards, issues and difficulties of each of the operational elements outlined in
paragraph 12.9 should then be considered. Once again, this must be approached from a multi-disciplinary
viewpoint.
12.10.4 Where possible, data and statistics from previous operations should be considered on a lessons identified basis
and presented in the report. As such MASS operators should be encouraged to report all near misses and
incidents.
12.10.5 Frequency Analysis. The Hazards and difficulties should then be assessed on two levels; firstly, by frequency.
Again, where possible, this can be greatly assisted by data or statistics. Otherwise it must be done on an
expected frequency basis given the operation and ship design as outlined in paragraph 12.9. This can be
re-assessed as a part of the continuous development as outlined in paragraph 12.12.4.
12.10.6 Consequence Analysis. As well as the frequency, the expected outcome must be noted. This must be considered
to indicate how strong any mitigation measures must be; less frequent issues with a low consequences may
need less action than others and sit in a tolerable region as outlined in the ALARP principle.
12.10.7 Current Training Level. The current training level of the chosen MASS operators must be known to establish if
they meet all the requirements already to enable them to mitigate the expected issues and difficulties.
12.10.8 Risk Evaluation. Does the current training level mitigate all the expected hazards and issues to a level
considered as low as reasonably possible or ALARP?
12.11 AS LOW AS REASONABLY POSSIBLE (ALARP)
12.11.1 All items listed will carry a certain risk. The aim of this exercise is to reduce these to as low as reasonably possible,
by putting in place a required training level for the MASS operators.
12.11.2 The ALARP principle relies on the risk levels being deemed appropriate with either the existing framework in
place, or with some additional mitigation (in this case training for the operators) in place.
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MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 3