systems: a novel approach based on dynamic system modelling

The increasing use of digital systems in vital applications for Ship Control Systems requires the study and the adoption of advanced system safety modelling methodologies for Safety Probabilistic Assessment, due to the often complex structure of such equipment from a safety point of view. In the design of Safety-related Systems it is necessary to ensure that an adequate level of safety is properly specified, is achieved during the design phase, and is maintained during system operation: the required level of safety and its demonstration are achieved by applying a well defined Safety Process, which starts with the definition of safety specifications, goes on with the safety verification and validation (assessment), during each phase of the system development till the system installation, and continues with operation and performance monitoring and finally with the decommissioning phase procedures. Safety Specification and Safety Acceptance, based on the System Safety Case, are two major critical points in a Safety Process for Ship Control Systems and the Probabilistic Safety Assessment constitutes the foundations on which both the above activities lean.