Safety Management Systems

In 2004 the Government of NSW legislated that all operators of a commercial vessel that seats more than 8 adult persons (with at least one person being a passenger) require a Safety Management System (SMS) to be implemented as part of their operations.

What is a Safety Management System?

A safety management system is a documented system of policies and records that focus on the management of risk (both identification and controls) in relation to operational and passenger safety.

An SMS must meet the 12 key elements of the gazetted guidelines. The NSW Maritime SMS requirements are based on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Safety Management Code, commonly referred to as the ISM Code.

The benefits of a well implemented safety management system include:

Useful Downloads

SMS FAQ’s