In 2024, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) undertook a public review of Marine Order 504 with an aim to improve safety outcomes.
Marine Order 504 contains all the regulatory requirements for commercial vessel operational requirements for marine safety, including Safety Management Systems (SMS) and making them easier to understand, fit for purpose and practical for the diverse range of commercial vessels across Australia.
These changes come into effect on 1 June 2025.
The changes include:
- The introduction of a simplified Safety Management System
- Fatigue management policy
- Drug and alcohol policy
- Cargo and dangerous goods
- Key operational procedures
- Vessel emergency plans
- Master and designated person responsibility statement
- Record of vessel modifications, and
- Assembled stations requirement.