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INTENT

The intent of NOAA Small Boat Operational Risk Management is to achieve the highest possible level of safety and environmental stewardship in boat operations by utilizing the principles of risk management. The principles of risk management should assist in streamlining safety management structure, and foster a corporate culture which places emphasis on the ability of field personnel to attain the highest level of safety and environmental compliance through experience, education, and training.

BACKGROUND

Operational Risk Management is derived from the principles of risk-based decision making. Decisions based on an evaluation of risk involve a series of basic steps. Risk management can add value to almost any situation, especially boat operations, where the possibility exists for serious or catastrophic outcomes. The steps used to manage risk can be used at different levels of detail and with varying degrees of formality, depending on the situation. The key to using the process is in completing each step in the most simple, practical way to provide the information the Senior Field Manager, Program Manager, Responsible Person, or Boat Operator needs in order to develop and successfully implement individualized requirements to mitigate specific risks.

The information about the possibility for one or more unwanted outcomes separates risk-based decision making from more traditional decision making. The consideration of possible losses for any set of stakeholders is unique to risk-based decision making. Possible losses may include harmful effects on safety and health or the environment, loss of life, property loss, degraded mission success, or reduced public support.

Most decisions require information not only about risk, but about other parameters as well. These additional parameters can include such things as cost, schedule requirements, and public perception. In risk management, all of the identifiable factors that affect a decision must be considered.

The process of analyzing risk focuses on organizing information for logical understanding. The goal of the analysis is to help people make better, more logical choices without complicating their work or taking away their authority. A good decision made quickly is much better than a perfect decision made too late. Also, a good decision does not always result in a good outcome. The best we can hope for is to equip programs with good information based on a number of decision factors and the interests of stakeholders. On average, and over time, vessel safety policies and boat operations based on decisions made through this process should provide the best outcomes. They will also provide logical explanations for decisions when the outcomes are not favorable.

Operational Risk Management is used in every day life without consciously thinking about the process. It follows then that Operational Risk Management exists on many levels. The Senior Field Manager, Program Manager, Responsible Person, or boat operator selects which level to use based upon the requirements of this Order, or the specific mission, situation, time available, or proficiency of personnel and assets.

NOAA operates a diverse array of boats. The safe operation of each vessel is affected by the interaction of many unique factors. NOAA Small Boat Operational Risk Management is intended to facilitate development of vessel operational standards based on an analysis of risk factors, and current standards of marine safety and regulation.