Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)

Guidelines for a safety management system

The SMS guide is being updated and is currently unavailable.

On 1 June 2025, we introduced new requirements for safety management systems (SMS). These changes affect all domestic commercial vessels.

Our SMS guide is being updated to include:

  • new fatigue management requirements
  • updated drug and alcohol policies
  • changes to operational procedures
  • eligibility for simplified SMS
  • other changes to requirements.

Learn about new SMS requirements

What is a safety management system 

Safety management systems (SMS) ensure commercial vessels are maintained and operated safely.  

Your vessel’s SMS must be based on a risk assessment of your operations. It needs to document how safety, maintenance and operations are managed on your vessel. 

At any time, your SMS may be assessed by AMSA, as part of your obligations under the general safety duty obligations. 

Who needs an SMS 

If you own or operate a domestic commercial vessel (DCV), you are required by law to implement and maintain a SMS. This includes:  

What to include in your SMS 

Safety management systems cover key elements such as:  

How to update or develop an SMS 

This guide includes tools you can use to develop your SMS.  

You can also download the templates as separate files. 

Find out more 

Source URL: http://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/safety-management-systems/guidelines-safety-management

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