Executive Summary
This thesis explores managing risks in US Navy Underwater Construction Team operations, focusing on human and organizational factors that cause 80% of high-consequence accidents. It proposes a Best Practices and Lessons Learned (BP/LL) repository and a risk assessment tool integrated with the UCT Project Planner to enhance quality and mitigate risks. The report emphasizes Knowledge Management principles for effective information capture and sharing within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for defense analysts as it details how the US Navy manages operational risks in critical underwater construction, offering insights into military risk assessment, knowledge management, and human factors in high-stakes engineering. It provides a framework for understanding how military organizations strive for reliability and safety in complex operations.
Key Takeaways
- Human and organizational factors are responsible for 80% of high-consequence accidents in engineered systems, highlighting the need for robust risk management.
- A Best Practices and Lessons Learned (BP/LL) repository is proposed as a key tool for mitigating risks by leveraging past experiences for future project planning.
- The report recommends integrating a risk assessment tool with the UCT Project Planner and formally establishing an Underwater Construction Community of Practice to enhance operational quality and safety.
- The US Navy and NAVFAC have adopted Knowledge Management principles to facilitate the transfer of BP/LL.
- The document details the application of Operational Risk Management (ORM) within the Navy and Marine Corps.
- It explores the development of a tool to capture BP/LL regarding risks in Underwater Construction Team operations.
Strategic Relevance
This document outlines a strategic approach to enhancing operational reliability and safety within critical military engineering units. By focusing on human and organizational factors, risk assessment, and knowledge management, it contributes to the long-term effectiveness and resilience of naval construction capabilities, directly impacting force readiness and mission success in diverse operational environments.