Overview

This course provides a clear, practical introduction to nuclear propulsion, taking participants from uranium fuel through to propulsion generation within a pressurised water reactor. It explains the key safety principles, regulatory frameworks, and risk management approaches that underpin naval nuclear operations. Delivered by subject matter experts with first-hand experience in the nuclear submarine domain, the course is designed to build informed, confident professionals who can engage effectively within Australia’s emerging nuclear enterprise.

Course Outline

• Nuclear Physics Fundamentals.
• Effects of Radiation (It’s not just biological but covers effects on materials and systems too).
• Nuclear Reactions.
• Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs) and why they are used in submarines.
• Hazards & Risk Management.
• Nuclear Safety Principles & Regulation.
• Building the Nuclear Safety Case.
• The Nuclear Lifecycle.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain how nuclear fission is harnessed to generate submarine propulsion.
• Describe how a PWR operates within a naval context.
• Identify the principal hazards associated with nuclear-powered submarines.
• Understand the principles of defence-in-depth and nuclear safety case development.
• Describe the Australian and international nuclear regulatory frameworks.
• Differentiate between deterministic and probabilistic safety approaches.
• Articulate how ALARP and SFARP apply in nuclear safety management.
• Engage confidently in discussions relating to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.

Who Is This For?

This course is designed for:

• Defence and government personnel.
• Engineering and technical professionals.
• Safety and risk practitioners.
• Project managers supporting nuclear-related programs.
• SMEs and primes entering the AUKUS supply chain.
• Executives and decision-makers requiring foundational nuclear literacy.

No prior nuclear experience is required.

How Is It Delivered?

• Duration: 2 days.
• Format: F2F.
• Where: Can be delivered at our facilities or externally at client facilities anywhere in Australia up to 20 students.

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