Lessons to Be Learned from SUBSAFE

Can the SUBSAFE principles be transferred from the military to commercial companies and industries The answer lies in why the program has been so effective and whether these factors can be maintained in other implementations of the principles more appropriate to non-military venues. Remember, of course, that private contractors form the bulk of the companies and workers in the nuclear Navy, and they seem to be able to satisfy the SUBSAFE program requirements. The primary difference is in the basic goals of the organization itself. 

Some factors that can be identified as contributing to the success of SUBSAFE, most of which could be translated into a safety program in private industry are  

Emphasis on rigor, technical compliance, and work discipline. 

The participatory audit philosophy and the requirement for objective quality evidence. 

A program based on written procedures, not personality-driven. 

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