DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000
NAVY PENTAGON
W
ASHINGTON, DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 8110.18E
N00NW
16 Sep 2022
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 8110.18E
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY NUCLEAR WEAPON SYSTEM SAFETY
PROGRAM
Ref: See enclosure (1)
Encl: (1) References
(2) Department of the Navy Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Weapon System Safety
Policy
(3) Department of the Navy Nuclear Weapons System Safety Program
(4) CONOPS for Employment of the Navy Nuclear Weapons System
(5) CNO (N00NW) NWSC and Annual Nuclear Weapons Safety and Schedule Review
(6) Procedures for Navy Nuclear Weapons System Safety Studies and OSRs
(7) Policy Guidance and Requirements for Navy Nuclear Weapons System Safety Rules
and Safety Rules Changes
(8) Navy Nuclear Weapons System Safety Design Certification
(9) Acronyms
1. Purpose. To implement the Department of Defense (DoD) Nuclear Weapon System Safety
Program (NWSSP) described in reference (a) as required by reference (b) and to issue the
overarching guidance for the Department of the Navy (DON) NWSSP per all applicable
instructions, directives and procedures found in references (c) through (v) and enclosures (2)
through (8). This instruction incorporates changes from reference (d), including the
implementation of responsibility support for the Director, Naval Nuclear Weapons Program
(CNO (N00NW)) and updated responsibilities for Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare
Systems (CNO (N9)) and Director, Strategic Systems Programs (DIRSSP). It has also been
updated to reflect the requirements in OPNAV M-5215.1, Navy Directives Management
Program Manual. This instruction has been substantially revised and should be reviewed in its
entirety.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 8110.18D.
3. Scope and Applicability. This instruction provides safety guidance pertaining to all nuclear
weapons and the nuclear weapons system for which the DON has operational, custodial or
developmental responsibility. It also focuses on the accountability and responsibility of nuclear
capable operating units and nuclear weapon system safety, security, control and reliability.
Specific emphasis is placed on aggressively implementing and completing corrective actions
when deficiencies are identified. References (c) and (d) define policy, responsibilities and
