With the implementation of the human resources development actions outlined in Section 20.5.4 the RB staff can be expected to have achieved a reasonable level of technical competence to carry out the licensing review work. However, significant help from the ER will still be necessary in the licensing activities as well as in the regulation of the NPP for a few years after it goes into operation. Nevertheless, assistance from the ER during design safety reviews and in regulation of the NPP during operation should be in an advisory capacity, and the RB should assume full responsibility for all licensing decisions.

The operating organization should similarly obtain technical assistance from the reactor vendor during the various stages of licensing and also during the initial few years of NPP operation.