Key Naval Standards

What are Key Naval Standards?

There are many naval standards and some have been assessed as key to supporting the framework and are in turn called up by the General Naval Specification. An example of those that are termed “key” in this context are those that are in direct support of key hazard certification.

In order to provide a coherent framework, these standards need to be suitably managed.

The mechanism for maintaining these standards is established via the UK MoD Naval Technical Publications Policy Committee (NTPPC).

What is the NSASS role?

NSASS is defining a set of Key Naval Standards that contribute to the coherency of the ship assurance framework and establish a robust and effective mechanism/protocol for influencing the development of this set.

An example of those that are termed “Key” in this context are those that are in direct support of key hazard certification i.e. stipulated by JSP 430, to satisfy a goal expressed in the Naval Ship Code (NSC), or are Category 1.

The primary focus has been the Key Naval Defence Standards; using the definition below this has identified a total of 48 Key Naval Defence Standards comprising 84 parts. The nature of how they are classed as Key is shown below, for example there are 16 Cat 1 standards which are neither stipulated by JSP430 nor satisfy a goal in the NSC. Justification of the Key standards and whether any additional standards are required is to be undertaken. This is to minimize the size of the portfolio and to fill gaps between the NSC and Lloyds Naval Ship Rules, therefore completing a harmonized database of Key Defence Standards.

A "Key" Naval Defence Standard is any standard which is : Mandatory by law or regulations applicable to the project (in this case mandated by the Naval Authorities, JSP430); Primarily a solution to the goals expressed in the Naval Ship Code; Defined as Cat 1. Notes: A "Key" Naval Defence Standard must have either EXTANT or INTERIM status; OBSOLESCENT or CANCELLED Defence Standards cannot be "Key" A "Key" Naval Defence Standard does not necessarily have to be used on every platform. A "Key" Naval Defence Standard might apply to surface ships, submarines or both

NSASS provide guidance relating to populating and managing the Key standards portfolio, ensuring that commercial standards are applied where appropriate and that the capability specific standards are maintained and updated regularly. Metrics, such as the health of the standards within the portfolio provides information to prioritize standards for review, a process that NSASS are happy to facilitate.

Additional information is available through the restricted access areas of the website. NSASS is the point of contact for your feedback regarding the coherency of the standards and for advice on how this set of Key standards and their health applies to your project.

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UK Defence Standardization (RLI access)