The Naval Nuclear Regulatory Panel; an independent regulator, within MoD, in relation to the safety of operations undertaken under the NNPP. NNRP has two roles - that of "external" regulator for parts of the NNPP where the civil provisions do not apply, and that of providing MoD with an internal assurance mechanism where they do. NNRP approval of the safety of site-based operations is confirmed by the granting of " Authorisations" which cover both MoD and private sector company activities. Authorisation can therefore be seen as a means of discharging both regulatory and assurance functions