Full course description
Join H&B Defence’s two-day intensive course designed for professionals supporting nuclear-powered submarines and associated infrastructure.
Delivered by seasoned industry experts, this credential equips you with the essential knowledge, context, and assurance principles required to operate confidently in this highly regulated and safety-critical environment. This two-day intensive course provides a clear, structured pathway for professionals seeking foundational nuclear literacy within the submarine enterprise.
Through expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and applied learning, you’ll build a practical understanding of naval nuclear technology, safety philosophies, and quality frameworks aligned with US and UK standards—tailored specifically to the Australian context.
You’ll gain hands-on insight into:
- The history and strategic foundations of US and UK naval nuclear programs
- Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) fundamentals and inherent safety principles
- Radiation science, risk comparison, and public perception
- Quality assurance, risk-based decision-making, and incident management
With a strong emphasis on safety, assurance, and informed communication, this course prepares you to engage effectively with technical teams, stakeholders, and the broader nuclear enterprise.
This credential is suitable for:
- Individuals intending to support the design, build, sustainment or disposal of nuclear-powered submarines and associated infrastructure.
- Individuals overseeing staff involved in the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines, including Tier 2 supplier managers and waterfront enabling teams
Eligible candidates must:
- Applicants are required to reside in Western Australia at the time of their application.
- Applicants must be employed in, contracted to, or otherwise engaged with an organisation that operates within or supports the maritime Defence industry.
- This may include shipbuilding, sustainment, engineering, manufacturing, technical services, or supplier organisations connected to maritime Defence capability.
Nuclear Technology
Gain a foundational understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) systems, including their design, operation and inherent safety principles within nuclear-powered submarines. To successfully complete this credential, you are required to pass a final assessment.
Radiation and Public Perception
Understand radiation types and relative risk in the context of nuclear-powered submarines and develop the ability to communicate nuclear safety concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Safety and Quality
Apply risk-based decision-making principles to safety, environmental and asset considerations within a nuclear-powered submarine environment.
Assesment Requirements:
To successfully complete this credential, you are required to pass a final assessment.
To demonstrate what you have learned, you will:
- Identify and explain the key components, design principles, and operational functions of naval nuclear propulsion systems.
- Analyse and evaluate the relative risks associated with nuclear-powered submarines, considering both normal operations and potential nuclear scenarios, using appropriate sector-specific terminology.
- Apply risk-based decision-making frameworks to practical scenarios, with consideration for safety, environmental protection, and asset integrity within a nuclear-powered submarine context.
VP of Operations for Nuclear & Environmental Services at HII Mission Technologies, brings 39 years of experience in nuclear operations, program management, and leadership development. He has led DOE contract programs worth $6B, developed 130 managers through structured training, and held senior roles in naval nuclear operations. David holds an EE degree, an MBA, PMP certification, and serves on boards supporting nuclear energy and community initiatives.
Chief Safety, Engineering & Assurance Officer at H&B Defence, oversees safety governance and technical assurance for major defence programs. Formerly Director for AUKUS Emerging Markets at HII, she led strategic planning and new operations in Australia. With 20+ years in nuclear engineering, waste management, and emergency planning, Ashley holds degrees from UCF, Virginia Tech, and UT Knoxville.
Senior Engineering Manager at H&B Defence, oversees engineering capability and workforce development for Babcock. A former Royal Naval Artificer Apprentice on Vanguard Class submarines, Chris has 12+ years in nuclear submarine engineering, including serving as UK Naval Nuclear Head of Engineering Capability. He holds a Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering degree from Portsmouth University.
Once you successfully complete and pass the final assessment, you'll earn a digital badge that is instantly shareable to your social networks (including LinkedIn) which showcases your new skills and knowledge mastery.
This credential provides foundation knowledge in a discipline and doesn't require previous knowledge.
You will also earn 5 credit points which are in line with Australian Qualification Framework Level 8 criteria, ensuring comprehensive theoretical and/or technical knowledge of the credential. 100 credit points are required to earn a Graduate Certificate at Curtin.
Curtin Credentials focus on five themes, which have been carefully curated based on what's most relevant and valuable to professionals today, and in the future. This credential fits within the following theme:
Thrive and adapt in the changing world of work by developing and broadening your skillset in a range of areas including work design and cognitive flexibility.
For more information on this, or any other questions about Curtin Credentials, email us at curtincredentials@curtin.edu.au or call Curtin Connect at 1300 222 888.
*Curtin may cancel or reschedule a credential at any time and for any reason as it sees fit. The Start Date and the other details of this credentials are provided as a general guide only and may change from time to time.
✝This credential includes 30 hours of online resources, pre-readings, face-to-face sessions and assessments. However, to pass and earn 5 credit points, you may need to commit further time.
^A mix of online and face-to-face learning.
§Limited fully funded places available for WA based Defence Industry professionals.
Course Run Dates:
25th-26th March 2026
4th-5th June 2026
12th-13th Aug 2026 *
Duration: 30 hours total✝
Face-to-face: 2 days
Delivery Mode: Blended^
Price: Fully funded§
Print Version: Download