New safety management system (SMS) requirements come into effect for domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) on 1 June 2025, under Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation – national law) 2024.
Kokusai Kakoh company has issued a safety recall for its Rocket Parachute Flares KP-16. This is due to performance concerns related to altitude and burning time when fired.
A swimmer participating in a marine wildlife interaction tour sustained a foot injury from a propeller strike when a crew member attempted to tow them alongside a tender vessel. This activity was in breach of the operations’ safety management system procedures.
From 1 June 2025, a simplified safety management system (SMS) will be available for smaller, less complex domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) that meet the eligibility criteria.
On 1 September 2025 the updated edition of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part C1 will be introduced. It will be mandatory for all new domestic commercial vessels from 1 September 2027.