The report outlining the feedback from the recent consultation on proposed changes to Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements – national law) 2018 (Marine Order 504) relating to safety management systems (SMS), has been released.
From May to July 2024, we invited stakeholders to provide input on the proposed amendments to Marine Order 504, which provides the certificates of operation and SMS requirements for domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) under the National Law. The feedback collected was generally supportive.
We will now move forward to finalise the new marine order with only minor updates to reflect some of the key feedback received.
The upcoming changes aim to make SMS requirements clearer, more practical, and tailored to the diverse range of vessels operating within the DCV sector. The key changes include:
- simplifying SMS requirements for smaller, less complex vessels and operations
- strengthening fatigue management
- enhancing the management of risks from drug and alcohol use
- ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined
- updating the assembly station requirements to be more practical
- aligning procedures for onboard operations and emergency preparedness with risk
- addressing risks to vessel stability
- amending the certificate of operation renewal criteria to reduce administrative burden.
In addition to these key changes, the final marine order will include minor administrative and editorial adjustments to enhance clarity and functionality.
The new Marine Order 504 is scheduled to be released later this year and will take effect on 1 June 2025. This will provide industry with a transition period to implement the changes.
DCV owners and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and start preparing to meet the new SMS requirements once the final marine order and related guidance is released later this year.
In addition to the proposed changes to the marine order, we also sought views on an hours of rest proposal. We will now consider the feedback to inform future policy decisions. No changes to the existing hours of rest requirement will be made as part of this review process.
The consultation feedback report is now available, providing detailed insights into the responses received.
More information will be on our website soon.