Leading Maritime Authorities Unite to Revolutionize Naval Incident Reporting

In response to user feedback from the June 2023 review, NAVSAFECOM hosted a second RMI review to address key issues and enhance the platform. A total of 310 comments were analyzed, focusing on specific deficiencies encountered by naval personnel while interacting with the RMI system. This analysis aimed to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to elevate user experience.

Since August 2020, NAVSAFECOM has expanded safety reporting and management systems within the RMI framework. The system now covers incident reporting, analysis and dissemination, safety program management, and a single point of entry. RMI centralizes incident reporting and safety management, leveraging the AFSAS foundation shared by four military services. This shift enables data-driven insights to foster mishap prevention strategies.

“We’re committed to continuous improvement based on direct customer feedback,” said Chris Tarsa, NAVSAFECOM executive director. “We listen, learn, and evolve.”

The conference included discussions on RMI issues submitted by stakeholders. Feedback covered hazard abatement, analytics, inspections, and training. Attendees explored potential solutions for each comment, deciding on implementation or assigning follow-up actions. Common concerns included RMI’s complexity, need for additional data input options, redundant fields, and unclear sections. While some suggestions conflicted with DoD mandates, others were immediately addressed through explanations or commitments to system improvements.

“By providing a space for open dialogue, NAVSAFECOM demonstrated their awareness and genuine interest in finding solutions,” said Krystyna Eaker, RMI Requirements manager. “This review was valuable for users to share experiences and feel heard.”

WESS was the first of four safety reporting systems that RMI aimed to replace for improved transparency. The other systems include ESAMS, MMAC, and POAIRS. To date, RMI Safety Program modules for Inspections, Hazard Abatement, Training, and Confined Space are complete. Remaining modules such as Job Hazard Analysis, Medical Surveillance, and others will be delivered through fiscal 2027.

Once fully implemented, these modules will capture all safety information to support hazard mitigation and overall mishap prevention. “The real goal of this program is mishap prevention,” said Tarsa. “Learning is lost when we don’t understand the factors leading to an event.”