About the FIC
AMSA conducted a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) on Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) Hazardous Gases, in NSW, over the period 16 September to 31 December 2024.
The campaign focused on Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements - national law) 2018 safety management system requirements for managing hazardous gases on Class 1 (passenger) and Class 4 (hire and drive) vessels.
In conjunction with standard inspections of DCVs, specific questions relating to hazardous gases were asked by AMSA inspectors. A safety campaign on hazardous gases was promulgated on AMSA’s website prior to commencement of this FIC.
Overall results
62 FIC inspections were carried out during the campaign.
The FIC showed that many DCVs fail to implement adequate safety measures for hazardous gases, with significant room for improvement:
- 77.4% of DCVs inspected had crew who had not undertaken training for identifying and responding to hazardous gases.
- 74.2% of DCVs inspected did not have a risk assessment identifying and controlling hazardous gas risks.
- 79.0% of DCVs inspected lacked access to hazardous gas monitoring devices.
A positive result was that 90.3% of DCVs had sufficient ventilation in toilet areas.
However, 59.7% of DCVs had deficiencies recorded, reflecting widespread non-compliance.
No National Law Notices were issued related to questions in the FIC, aligning with the campaign’s educational approach.
Hazardous gases FIC results
| Question | Yes | Yes% | No | No% | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Does the vessel risk assessment identify and control the risk of hazardous gases? | 16 | 25.8% | 46 | 74.2% | 0 |
| 2. Does the SMS identify regular programmed inspections and maintenance of sullage tanks & plumbing? | 21 | 33.9% | 41 | 66.1% | 0 |
| 3. Have crew undertaken any induction, on-board familiarisation or training for identifying and responding to hazardous gases? | 14 | 22.6% | 48 | 77.4% | 0 |
| 4. Does the SMS include clear and relevant procedures for the pumping out of blackwater, greywater, or bilgewater tanks? | 32 | 51.6% | 30 | 48.4% | 0 |
| 5. Do the toilet areas have sufficient mechanical or natural ventilation to open air? | 56 | 90.3% | 6 | 9.7% | 0 |
| 6. Is the vessel fitted with, or do crew have access to hazardous gas monitoring devices? | 13 | 21.0% | 49 | 79.0% | 0 |
| 7. Class 4 only: Is information provided to hirers about the risks of hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide? | 4 | 40.0% | 6 | 60.0% | 50 |
| 8. Class 4 only: Is signage or labelling in place warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide in confined areas? | 4 | 44.4% | 5 | 55.6% | 50 |
| 9. Were any deficiencies recorded related to a question or questions in this FIC? | 37 | 59.7% | 25 | 40.3% | 0 |
| 10. Were any National Law notices issued related to a question or questions in this FIC? | 0 | 0.0% | 60 | 100.0% | 0 |
Our continued focus
AMSA has promulgated educational guidance relating to hazardous gases. DCV owners, masters, and crew are strongly encouraged to review this guidance and take steps to ensure that:
- A risk assessment identifies and controls hazardous gas risks where applicable.
- Crew are trained to identify and respond to hazardous gas incidents.
- Procedures for managing sullage tanks and plumbing are in place and followed.
- For Class 4 vessels, hirers are informed of hazardous gas risks and signage is provided.
AMSA inspectors will continue to focus on hazardous gas safety risk mitigation requirements when inspecting DCVs.