Wednesday 23 April 2025
Now is the time to check your safety management system (SMS) and start preparing for the updated Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation – national law) 2024.
Marine Order 504 updates aim to make SMS requirements clearer, more practical and fit for purpose for the diverse range of domestic commercial vessels across Australia. The changes were developed in consultation with industry.
What’s changing
- Simplified SMS: vessels under 7.5m, other than Class1, may be eligible for a streamlined SMS. Check your eligibility now.
- Fatigue risk: risk assessments must identify and address crew fatigue (except Class 4 vessels).
- Drug and alcohol policy: your SMS must include a policy to manage these risks.
- Cargo and dangerous goods: include procedures to manage risks of cargo operations and dangerous goods in your SMS.
- Operational procedures: your SMS must cover key vessel operations, where relevant (class 1, 2 and 3 vessels).
- Emergency plans: the risk of loss of propulsion and fuel or oil spills need to be included in your emergency plan, if applicable.
- Responsibility statements: include updated statement for the master and a new statement for designated person in your SMS.
- Assembly stations: alternatives are only required if reasonably practicable, based on vessel layout, characteristics and risk assessment.
- Vessel modifications: you need to identify risks to vessel stability and include this in your risk assessment and also maintain a record of modifications impacting stability (not required for class 4 vessels).
When you need to be ready
You should review your SMS and begin updating it now.
Act now to comply
Visit our guidance page to find out what the changes mean for you and what you need to do to comply.