AMSA will be closed from 5 pm AEDT Tuesday 24 December 2024, re-opening on Thursday 2 January 2025. Our search and rescue will continue to operate every day (24/7) during this time. See which services are affected.

Guidance: Marine Order 504 changes

Step 3: Prepare for simplified SMS

Change to existing requirements: Simplified SMS requirements for smaller, less complex DCVs.
Applies to: Eligible Class 2, 3 and 4 vessels. Check if your vessel is eligible.
Effective from: 1 June 2025.

Operators are required to have a full SMS until 1 June 2025. 

We’re working on detailed guidance and examples to support operators to develop a simplified SMS. This will be released closer to 1 June 2025. Subscribe to AMSA news to find out when it's available.

Help us improve SMS guidance

We're enhancing the tools and resources you need for efficient safety management systems. Over the coming months, we’ll be gathering insights from operators and crew to make guidance clearer and more practical. Want to contribute to this important work? Sign up today.

Next: Update your SMS.