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Guidance: Marine Order 504 changes

Changes to safety management system requirements from 1 June 2025

The revised Marine Order 504 comes into effect on 1 June 2025. Update your SMS to make sure your vessel complies.

Simplified SMS

 

Update your SMS
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Fatigue management
Learn how to develop a fatigue management plan.
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Drug and alcohol policy - Class 1, 2, 3
Learn how to develop a drug and alcohol policy.
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Drug and alcohol policy - Class 4
Learn how to develop a drug and alcohol policy.
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Operations and emergencies
Learn which procedures you need to add for key vessel operations and emergencies.
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Master and designated person
Learn how to add or clarify your master and designated person responsibility statement.
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Assembly station
Learn about changes to assembly station requirements and how this affects your SMS.
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Vessel stability
Learn how to identify risks to vessel stability in your SMS.
Background

Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements – national law) outlines safety management system including risk assessment and crewing requirements for domestic commercial vessels (DCVs).  

Recently, Marine Order 504 underwent a review and consultation process aimed at improving the safety outcomes of the SMS requirements and making them easier to understand, fit for purpose and practical for the diverse range of DCVs across Australia. 

Webinars: from February 2025

For further details on the MO504 changes and the opportunity to ask AMSA questions, attend our webinars on:

  • Fatigue management 
  • Changes to SMS requirements 
  • Simplified SMS.

Register your interest