1 Introduction
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - HSC Code - International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft, 1994 – Resolution MSC.36(63) - Annex - International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft, 1994 - Annex 4 - Procedures for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - 1 Introduction

1 Introduction

  1.1 In the case of traditional craft, it has been possible to specify certain aspects of design or construction in some level of detail, in a way which was consistent with some level of risk which had over the years been intuitively accepted without having to be defined.

  1.2 With the development of large high speed craft, this required experience has not been widely available. However, with the now broad acceptance of the probabilistic approach to safety assessments within industry as a whole, it is proposed that an analysis of failure performance may be used to assist in the assessment of the safety of operation of high speed craft.

  1.3 A practical, realistic and documented assessment of the failure characteristics of the craft and its component systems should be undertaken with the aim of defining and studying the important failure conditions that may exist.

  1.4 This annex describes a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and gives guidance as to how it may be applied by:

  • .1 explaining basic principles;

  • .2 providing the procedural steps necessary to perform an analysis;

  • .3 identifying appropriate terms, assumptions, measures and failure modes; and

  • .4 providing examples of the necessary worksheets.

  1.5 FMEA for high speed craft is based on a single failure concept under which each system at various levels of a system's functional hierarchy is assumed to fail by one probable cause at a time. The effects of the postulated failure are analysed and classified according to their severity. Such effects may include secondary failures (or multiple failures) at other level(s). Any failure mode which may cause a catastrophic effect to the craft should be guarded against by system or equipment redundancy unless the probability of such failure is extremely improbable (refer to section 13). For failure modes causing hazardous effects corrective measures may be accepted in lieu. A test programme should be drawn to confirm the conclusions of FMEA.

  1.6 Whilst FMEA is suggested as one of the most flexible analysis techniques, it is accepted that there are other methods which may be used and which in certain circumstances may offer an equally comprehensive insight into particular failure characteristics.

Parent topic: Annex 4 - Procedures for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
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