SMS Compliancy is a ‘must’ and with AMSA revising Marine Order 504 last year, amongst other things the necessity to now include a Fatigue Risk Management Plan – your focus to ensure compliancy is vital.
Also, while your SMS may meet AMSA revised requirements under MO504 will it stand up if challenged in court?
In many cases…NO!
We all know AMSA assesses SMS’s to ensure they have all the components required under MO504 and we’re all in favour of that because it helps you in getting your SMS up to speed.
But…did you know that while your SMS may meet AMSA’s requirements does it meet Work Health & Safety requirements?
Unfortunately, in many cases it does not which leaves you exposed in the event of an incident.
The bottom line is AMSA undertake an “assessment” of your SMS which does not, in most cases take in the content of your operational and emergency procedures to any extent.
Along with the risk assessments the procedures are the backbone of your SMS and if they are missing or don’t reflect how you do things you’re in trouble.
We’ve been involved in developing, auditing and assessing safety management systems, including risk assessments and procedures for over 30 years and we’re available to help you with your SMS compliance.
Shorlink now has available a number of services to help you in getting your SMS to a level where it offers the best legal protection. Listed below are our 3 key services to ensure your compliance.
We are happy to undertake a free assessment of your entire SMS. Our Principal Consultant will review your current SMS and advise of areas (if any) which need revision and any procedures that are required for inclusion to ensure compliancy.
Our Lead Auditor will conduct a gap analysis to determine the strength of your SMS including an initial review of your operational and emergency procedures. A written report will be provided upon completion.
A full system audit entails a detailed review of your entire SMS including all operational and emergency procedures. This is undertaken by our Lead Auditor. An external full system audit provides the best possible protection in the event of an incident and…gives you peace of mind. For your best price to get peace of mind contact our office by either phone (07) 4242 1412 or Email contact@shorlink.com
We highly recommend having your SMS reviewed by a competent person who has considerable industry marine experience.
Here are Shorlink, we are happy to review/assess any SMS without any obligation to ensure compliancy and safety in our industry.
If you don’t use Shorlink that’s fine, but please be aware of people out there saying they have experience when, in fact have little or no relevant industry experience in the area you operate, or have internal staff without the marine knowledge and skills to ensure your SMS will cover you for compliancy, safety and legally.
When looking for an external party to assess or audit your SMS and in particular your procedures ask them about their marine experience in the operations you undertake.
If they don’t have hands on experience in your field, and understand the legalities specific to our industry including necessary policies and procedures, then think very carefully abut engaging them.
Our Principal Consultant and Lead Auditor, Wayne Linklater has been in the maritime industry for 50 years and has extensive hands on experience in boatbuilding, commercial vessel operations, safety management and auditing.
Feel free to send through your SMS to contact@shorlink.com for a free assessment OR
If you haven’t updated your SMS with the revisions from AMSA last year, you need to ACT NOW and get your SMS updated to comply.
