Study on the Licensing Framework for Land Facilities Supporting Nuclear-powered Submarines in the United Kingdom

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2024.2672

Keywords:

United Kingdom nuclear regulation, nuclear powered submarines, nuclear support facilities, Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator

Abstract

This study examines nuclear regulation in the United Kingdom, focusing on licensing processes for land facilities supporting nuclear-powered submarines. It highlights the importance of these submarines for defense and maritime security, along with the need for specialized infrastructure to operate them safely and effectively. The study analyzes the UK’s procedures and regulations for nuclear licensing, with emphasis on regulatory bodies such as the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR). Results discuss the classification of nuclear facilities in the UK, including those dedicated to submarines and nuclear defense, as well as the applicable standards and guidelines for licensing these facilities. It is concluded that nuclear regulation in the UK is robust and transparent, providing a solid foundation for licensing facilities supporting nuclear-powered submarines. The adoption of these standards as a reference in Brazil could significantly contribute to establishing a solid and secure regulatory framework for such facilities.

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References

Office for Nuclear Regulation – ONR. A Guide to Nuclear Regulation in UK, 2014.

Office for Nuclear Regulation – ONR. Regulation of Great Britain’s Defence Nuclear Programme. Technical Inspection Guide (TIG), NS-INSP-GD-056. April 2024.

MOD and ONR. General Agreement Between Ministry of Defence and Office for Nuclear Regulation, 2015.

DNSR and ONR. Letter of Understanding between the ONR and the DNSR setting out their intentions for coherent, complete and seamless regulation of the Defence Nuclear Programme, 2015.

MOD and ONR. Memorandum of Understanding Between the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Nuclear Regulation, 2024.

Defence Safety Authority – DSA. Defence Nuclear Safety Regulations of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise – Guidance - DSA03–DNSR, 2021.

Office for Nuclear Regulation – ONR. Licence condition handbook, 2017.

Office for Nuclear Regulation – ONR. Licensing nuclear installations, 2021.

Office for Nuclear Regulation – ONR. Safety assessment principles for nuclear facilities, 2017.

Defence Safety Authority – DSA. Defence Nuclear Safety Regulations of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise - DSA02–DNSR, 2024.

Ministry of Defence – MOD. JSP 518 – Regulation of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme, Part 1: Directive, 2014.

Ministry of Defence – MOD. JSP 518 – Regulation of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme, Part 2: Guidance, 2014.

Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator – DNSR. Operational Berth Safety Statements – DNSR Review, 2008.

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Published

2025-02-05

How to Cite

Study on the Licensing Framework for Land Facilities Supporting Nuclear-powered Submarines in the United Kingdom. Brazilian Journal of Radiation Sciences, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, v. 12, n. 4B (Suppl.), p. e2672, 2025. DOI: 10.15392/2319-0612.2024.2672. Disponível em: https://www.bjrs.org.br/revista/index.php/REVISTA/article/view/2672. Acesso em: 1 may. 2025.