An illustrative example of applying systems engineering tools for risk management when launching new technologies: The case of lifeboat insufficiency on the RMS Titanic

Guidance is provided on how to apply systems engineering tools for risk management when launching new technologies. An illustrative example of how the application of these tools might have prevented the extreme loss of life associated with one of the most storied and devastating engineering disasters in history, the sinking of the RMS Titanic, demonstrates the approach using a familiar case. The key risk considered is one that existed before the Titanic entered into commercial service in early 1912; the risk associated with carrying an insufficient number of lifeboats for all passengers and crew to be evacuated. Using cold case and historical data and applying NASA’s risk matrix to the issue of lifeboat insufficiency, suggest the lowest possible rating for likelihood of occurrence related to all passengers and crew needing to simultaneously evacuate the Titanic, but the highest possible rating for level of consequences (catastrophic loss of life), should this event occur. Taken together, these two ratings suggest that had NASA’s risk matrix tool been available and applied before the Titanic’s maiden voyage, management might have been able to recognize there was a moderately high level of overall risk associated with lifeboat insufficiency and taken corrective actions. Two examples of possible mitigation actions are developed by applying NASA’s risk mitigation planning tool. Evidence suggests that these actions could have decreased the risk of lifeboat insufficiency to a negligible level, at a minimal cost, and potentially saved many lives during the sinking of the Titanic.