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Guidance: Marine Order 504 changes

Operational and emergency procedures

Operators are now required to also address the following operational risks:

  1. Adding procedures for key vessel operations (if applicable, Class 1, 2 and 3 vessels)
  2. Adding procedures for emergencies (if relevant to the vessel and its operation, all classes).

1. Procedures for vessel operations

New requirement: Add procedures for key vessel operations to your SMS.
Applies to: Class 1, 2 and 3 vessels, with tailored requirements for those eligible for a simplified SMS. Does not apply to Class 4 vessels.
Effective from: 1 June 2025.

From 1 June 2025, Class 1, 2 and 3 vessel owners, including those eligible for a simplified safety management system (SMS), are required to include procedures for key vessel operations to their SMS. They must outline how they will manage the risks relating to these activities, if relevant to the vessel and its operation.

We introduced this change to ensure that higher risk activities associated with vessel operations are included in the SMS.

Procedures for vessel operations - requirements

Full SMS

Eligible for simplified SMS

Note: There are other procedures you need to include if eligible for a simplified SMS.

How to add procedures for vessel operations

Note: Some work activities are regulated by WHS regulations and codes of practice. This includes activities such as confined space, entry, and dangerous goods. Make sure you check relevant regulations and codes of practice before developing your procedures. 

Level of detail: The level of detail in your procedures depends on the size and complexity of your operation.

An operational procedure for an operation eligible for a simplified SMS may be a just a series of dot points/tasks. A procedure for a more complex operation may need to be more detailed.

Step 1: Do a risk assessment

Identify risks involved with the key vessel operations, and ways to control the risks. Record these in your risk assessment, in your SMS.

Step 2: Develop procedures

Develop procedures relating to these vessel operations, taking into account any risks and controls you identified. Record these procedures in your SMS.

 

Scenario and example

6.5m Class 2D work boat – access (embarking) procedure 

The owner/operator of a 6.5m work boat eligible for a simplified SMS launches and retrieves their vessel from boat ramps in the local area.

They consider the risks associated with launching and retrieving the vessel, including boarding and disembarking, using the knowledge gained from working in the area for over 10 years. This includes consideration of tides, water depth, weather, condition of boat ramps and interacting with other boat ramp users.

Based on the knowledge and experience of the owner and their crew, they develop a procedure for launching and retrieving the vessel that includes access and embarking.

Image description: Operational procedure

Launch from boat ramps

  • Check weather conditions prior to leaving home  
  • Visually inspect boat ramp for signs of wear and tear and obstructions
  • Visually inspect water for tidal movement, water depth and wind direction
  • Undertake pre-launch checks (bungs in place, strapping removed)
  • Once satisfied is safe and boat ramp is clear, reverse trailer
  • Crew member to monitor reversing vehicle from safe distance
  • Launch vessel
  • Crew member to give master mooring line and then board vessel via boarding ladder
  • Master to secure vessel to jetty
  • Master parks vehicle and trailer and then boards vessel from jetty
Operational procedure - launch from boat ramps

2. Procedures for emergencies

New requirement: Add emergency procedures to your emergency plan.
Applies to: All vessels, including those eligible for simplified SMS. 
Effective from: 1 June 2025.

From 1 June 2025, all vessel owners, including those eligible for a simplified SMS, are required to add procedures for emergency situations to their SMS, if relevant to the vessel and its operation. They must also outline how they will manage the risks relating to these emergencies.

We introduced this change because we identified that certain emergencies carry higher levels of risk which need to be managed.

Emergencies

  • Loss of propulsion
  • Oil or fuel spill

How to add emergency procedures

Level of detail:  The level of detail in your procedures depends on the size and complexity of your operation.

An emergency procedure for an operation eligible for a simplified SMS may be a just a series of dot points/tasks. A procedure for a more complex operation may be much more detailed.

Follow these steps to develop a policy for an operation of any size.

Step 1: Do a risk assessment

Identify risks involved with these emergencies, and ways to control the risks. Record these in your risk assessment, in your SMS.

Step 2: Develop procedures

Develop procedures relating to these emergencies, taking into account any risks and controls you identified. Record these procedures in your SMS.

Scenario and example

6.5m Class 2D work boat – loss of propulsion emergency procedure 

The owner/operator of a 6.5m work boat eligible for a simplified SMS operates within sheltered waters undertaking maintenance work on jetties and marinas for local government authorities. Work is typically undertaken within 400m of shore. The owner, in consultation with the crew, considers the risks and implements a procedure in the event of loss of propulsion.

Image description: Emergency procedure

Loss of propulsion

  • Ensure outboard motor is serviced in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
  • Should outboard break down:
    • Assess situation to see if any faults can be identified
    • If vessel is drifting deploy the anchor
    • Crew member to maintain lookout
    • Master to repair if possible
    • If repair not possible and close to shore or jetty, use oars to move to safety
    • If not possible to move to safety, use radio or mobile phone to alert emergency contact or other vessels in area that you need assistance

 

Emergency procedure - loss of propulsion

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Q & A

Contact

Got a question about these requirements? Please contact us.

See what other updates you need to make to your SMS before 1 June 2025.