ML24326A256
| ML24326A256 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/21/2024 |
| From: | James Anderson, Correll J NRC/NRR/DRO/IOLB |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML24326A256 (1) | |
Text
Public Meeting with Industry Operator Licensing Representatives November 22, 2024
Introductions and Opening Remarks Jim Anderson James.Anderson@nrc.gov
Examination Scheduling Jeff Correll Jeffrey.Correll@nrc.gov
Examination Scheduling
- Currently maintaining a sustained number of ~40 exams per year.
- Prompt response to the exam scheduling RIS is important
- Accuracy in dates and class size impacts examiner resources
- Overlapping exam dates can impact the schedule
- Exam leveling efforts include LORT inspections.
- Communicate changes early and often
Written Examination Outline Generator Joey McPherson Joseph.McPherson@nrc.gov
Written Examination Outline Generator
- Use of NUREG-1021 and technology-specific knowledge and ability (K/A) catalogs
- Selection of topics using a random and systematic sampling methodology
- Removes bias
- Appropriate coverage of topics
- Non-applicable K/As screened out
- Cannot create outlines for AP-1000
- Future update
Operator Licensing Program Feedback Jesse Seymour jesse.seymour@nrc.gov
The Operator Licensing Program Feedback
- On the NRC public website
- https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operator-licensing/prog-feedback.html
- Answers to previously asked questions about operator licensing topics
- Organized by NUREG-1021 section, IP 71111.11, simulator, and general topics
- Historical information located in the Archived Questions OLPF
- 1 new OLPF since last public meeting
- Expect to update by NLT 3/31/2025
- If additional information needed, can contact us
- https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operator-licensing/contact-us.html
- Response back to the individual
- May add to the OLPF or next NUREG revision depending on the topic and question Contact us via the public website
Ongoing Regulatory Activities
Operator Licensing & the ADVANCE Act Jesse Seymour jesse.seymour@nrc.gov
NRC Core Team For the Implementation of the ADVANCE Act of 2024 Shilp Vasavada, Executive Technical Assistant Luis Betancourt, Executive Technical Assistant Aaron McCraw, Sr. Communications Specialist Opening Remarks
To Stay Informed of Progress Follow NRCs ADVANCE Act implementation with this Dashboard
For Upcoming and Past Meetings For NRCs public meeting information on ADVANCE Act
Implementing the ADVANCE Act The Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act, also known as the ADVANCE Act, was passed in July 2024.
The ADVANCE Act requires the NRC to take specific actions, including actions related to improving oversight and inspection programs.
The NRC staff has accepted the challenge to consider any ideas, big or small, which have the potential to improve how NRC manages and conducts our regulatory activities, focusing on what matters most and resolving low-significance issues in a more timely and efficient manner. Simply put, NRC is always seeking ways to accomplish our mission in the smartest way possible.
Staff assessing a potential change Section 507 of the Act directs the NRC to, among other things, identify and assess measures to improve oversight and inspections, including elimination of areas of duplicative or otherwise unnecessary activities.
One of the items we are assessing as a potentially unnecessary activity and considering amending is the requirement for each region to prepare at least one exam per year (NUREG-1021, ES-2.1, section A).
Several options are being evaluated at this time.
As we assess these options, we welcome any feedback from the industry or members of the public.
Contact Us about the ADVANCE Act:
https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/governing-laws/advance-act/contactus.html Or you can also use the Contact Us on the OL website.
Advanced Reactors &
the ADVANCE Act Jesse Seymour jesse.seymour@nrc.gov
Advanced Reactors &
- The proposed Part 53 includes a new framework for staffing, personnel qualifications, training programs, operator licensing, and human factors engineering
- Includes provisions for load following, online refueling, customized staffing, engineering expertise, facilities administering exams, and tailoring of exams
- Introduces a new type of operator that would be licensed under a general license at certain facilities
- Current status of the Part 53 rulemaking is available via:
https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc collections/rulemaking-ruleforum/active/ruledetails.html?id=1108
ADVANCE Act Section 208 Related Activities
- The Part 53 and Advanced Reactor Concept of Applications (ARCAP) frameworks for operator licensing, staffing, training, and human factors engineering generally bound microreactor operations (e.g., by addressing minimally staffed and highly automated facilities, including those that may be mobile in nature)
- Part 53s human-systems framework is also compatible with remote and autonomous operational concepts
- However, neither the ARCAP nor Part 53 frameworks explicitly address remote or autonomous operations; this is an area of ongoing, interdisciplinary staff work (e.g.,
cybersecurity, instrumentation & control, etc.)
NUREG-1220 Revision Jeff Correll Jeffrey.Correll@nrc.gov
NUREG-1220 Update
- Revision is in progress
- New guidance supports the NRC staffs review of training programs submitted for approval.
- Revision will support staff review of training programs with or without INPO accreditation.
- The guidance will include the content of DRO-ISG-2023-04, Facility Training Programs, which was released in draft form (ML23017A130).
- Guidance is currently targeted to be issued in alignment with the Part 53 rule.
NUREG-1021 Revision 12 Effectiveness Review Maurin Scheetz Maurin.Scheetz@nrc.gov
Office of the Inspector General - Audit of the NRCs Operator Licensing Examination Process Jesse Seymour jesse.seymour@nrc.gov
The OIG recently completed an audit of the NRCs OL program The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit from September 2023 to July 2024 to determine the effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity of the NRCs oversight of the operator licensing examination process.
OIG concluded that the NRCs oversight of the operator licensing examination process is effective, efficient, and reliable. However, the agency could benefit from providing additional guidance and clarity in NUREG-1021, and OIG recommended a revision to NUREG-1021.
Report is online: https://www.oversight.gov/report/NRC/Audit-US-Nuclear-Regulatory-Commission%E2%80%99s-Reactor-Operator-Licensing-Examination-Process
The NRC will revise NUREG-1021 to address gaps On October 29, 2024, the NRC issued a response to the OIG audit report (in ADAMS at ML24282A993), indicating the NRCs agreement with the OIGs recommendation and timeframes for actions.
We plan to issue a draft of a revision to NUREG-1021 for public comment by NLT CY2028. The draft revision will include edits to address the identified process gaps.
Our review of the gaps identified in the OIG report concluded that they could be addressed sufficiently via the OLPF or regional guidance via the ROIs in the interim. Those that can be addressed via the OLPF will be included in the next update, planned for NLT March 2025.
Industry Topics
Public Comments
Closing Remarks