Inspector General Nuclear Safety
The Inspector General Nuclear Safety is a senior appointment in the Indian Navy. A three-star officer holding the rank of vice admiral, the IGNS is responsible for
the nuclear and radiation safety of all naval nuclear reactors.
History
With the lead boat of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, slated to be launched, billet of Inspector General Nuclear Safety was created on 9 March 2007. Vice Admiral K. N. Sushil was the first IGNS. Only submariners have held the appointment.Responsibilities
Reporting into the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, the IGNS is responsible for all aspects related to nuclear and radiation safety and inspection of naval nuclear reactors, handling of fissile material and nuclear waste in the Indian Navy. The IGNS is also the competent regulatory authority for naval nuclear plants and infrastructure. Under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, the IGNS has the powers to lay down safety standards and frame rules and regulations in regard to the regulatory and safety requirement.The IGNS is responsible for induction and acquisition of special projects in the Indian Navy and setting up of related shore-based berthing and support infrastructure. Coordinating with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, the Atomic Energy Commission, the Department of Atomic Energy, DRDO and the Strategic Forces Command, the IGNS is involved in key policy formulation, and tactical and strategic inputs to ensure nuclear safety of naval nuclear plants.