New Risk Assessment Guidelines

Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) announced publication of new Risk Assessment Guidelines. The guidelines are based on the results of the implementation and extensive studies related to risk assessment methods. Terms incorporating the word “risk”, such as risk assessment, risk analysis, risk management, and the like can be frequently seen in many forms of media including newspapers, magazines, and the Internet.

In the shipbuilding and maritime fields, a rule making process using a risk assessment technique called Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) has been developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). FSA standards have been revised, established and proposed based on a vast amount of practical experience. In addition to FSA, the Oil Companies International Maritime Forum has developed the “Tanker Management and Self Assessment (TMSA) Guidelines” for self assessment of the management systems of tanker management companies. Risk assessment methods have already been realized and are currently in widespread use; even in these new guidelines, risk assessment is stated as a major elemental technology. Moreover, risk assessment methods are also being used in the development and assessment of new types of ships, and in risk-based inspections and risk-based maintenance, etc.

In view of this background, ClassNK has summarized the findings it has obtained through the examination of risk assessment methods, practical examples, and actual experience with the implementation of risk assessments in an introduction to risk assessment entitled “Risk Assessment Guidelines”. It is hoped that these guidelines will serve as a reference for the development of safer and more rational systems, better management systems, and more effective survey systems.