Safety Management Systems

A Safety Management System (SMS) is a documented, methodical approach to safety. It explains how a business operating commercial vessels manages risks to safety. An SMS details the policies, practices and procedures for operating a commercial vessel. It states what you do on your vessel and how you do it safely. It becomes part of the way people do their jobs.

Who needs an SMS?

All commercial vessels in NSW must have an SMS.

The Passenger Transport Act 1990 requires all operators of a commercial vessel that seats more than 8 adult persons (with at least one person being a passenger), to have and implement an SMS. Class 4 vessels require a Safety Management Plan. (See Downloads below).

In addition, the Marine Safety (Commercial Vessels) Regulation 2010 requires owners of all other commercial vessels to have and implement an SMS. The SMS must be documented and must identify any significant risks from the operation of the vessel and specify the controls employed by the owner to manage those risks. Vessel owners have until 1 January 2012 to comply.

What are the benefits?

The majority of incidents onboard a vessel occur because of human factors.  Having a functioning SMS can help reduce accidents and incidents. An SMS provides:

• A framework for regular drills and training;
• Clear roles and responsibilities for crew members and any personnel ashore;
• A system for recognising and reporting hazards, assessing risks and putting controls in place; and
• Tools to improve the day to day operation of the vessel.

Who is responsible?

Both the owner, or designated person, and the master of the vessel are responsible for making sure that a vessel has an effective SMS. The owner or designated person is responsible for making sure that:

• The vessel and crew are working safely and are not polluting;
• Communication and reporting between the vessel and shore is effective;
• The vessel has everything it needs to operate safely and not pollute; and
• There is a regular review of the SMS.

The master is responsible for:

• The vessel, crew and passengers are safe;
• The designated person knows about any vessel defects, accidents and hazardous events;
• SMS related duties and responsibilitiesare allocated to onboard personnel; and
• The SMS is working and reporting any problems to the owner or designated person.

How to develop an SMS?

To assist operators to comply with SMS requirements, Maritime has developed a plain English Safety Management Systems Guideline, a sample SMS for Evie Rose Cruises and a number of sample forms and checklists that can be customised for your operation. Simply follow the 12 steps in the Safety Management Systems Guideline to develop your SMS. You should involve everyone who works with the vessel both ashore and aboard. Remember your SMS should be tailored to reflect what happens on your vessel.

What happens after you have written your SMS?

Maritime may check your SMS and may arrange to visit you onboard your vessel to observe operational procedures and watch you do emergency drills with your crew. The SMS team may suggest ways to improve your system. Maritime may conduct periodic reviews of your SMS and operations. You will be advised when this will occur.

Need help?

Maritime holds information sessions in Sydney and regional NSW for commercial operators to explain what is involved in developing an SMS. To find out more about these sessions or any SMS matter, contact the SMS team on 9563 8793 or email smsteam@rms.nsw.gov.au

Useful Downloads

All vessels

• Safety Management System (SMS) Guidelines (Plain English)
• Sample SMS (Plain English)
• Sample Risk Register (Plain English)
• Sample SMS for One Man Operation Fishing Vessels
• Flipchart - Public Emergency Procedures Template
• Flipchart - Public Operational Procedures Template
• Sample Hazard Report Form
• Sample Schedule of Maintenance Items
• Sample Crew Register
• Sample Safety Drills
• Sample Safety Drill form
• Sample Vessel Log

Class 4 vessels

• Safety Management Plan Guideline Class 4 Vessels
• Sample Checklist Instructions to Hirers
• Information for Hirers
• Sample Hirer Record Sheet
• Sample Incident/Injury Report Form
• Sample Hazard Report Form
• Sample Emergency Plan
• Sample Maintenance Schedule
• Sample Pre-Hire Vessel Checklist