We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas — whether it was spent enjoying the upturn in festive trading or sharing a well-earned drink (or two!) with the people who matter most.
If you’re new to Shorlink, welcome! Each year, we like to kick things off with a newsletter focused on the importance of refreshing your business and vessel operations. This includes a handy checklist to help ensure you’ve got everything in place for a safe and successful year ahead.
👉 Feel free to print this checklist and tick it off as you go!
This edition is a little longer than usual — but we believe it’s worth the read. Here’s your New Year Marine Business & Vessel Checklist to get 2026 off to a great start!
Start the Year Right: Your Essential Marine Checklist for 2026
🔲 Is your Risk Register updated? Or have you ever done one? AMSA advises that your operations—and just as importantly, your SMS—should be based on a risk assessment of your activities. If you haven’t completed one, or it’s been a while, call Shorlink! We can help you get it sorted.
🔲 Is your SMS up to date — and legally protective?
If you haven’t updated your SMS since June 2025, then NO IT ISN’T!
AMSA’s directive is clear: All domestic commercial vessels must have a Safety Management System (SMS) that documents how your vessel meets mandatory general safety duties. AND with the revision of Marine Order 504, there are many sections which must now be included to ensure compliancy.
🔲 Have you inducted all crew into the SMS? Test your crew: Ask them, “What happens if the Master has a heart attack? What do you do?” If you get different answers—or worse, uncertainty—please contact us for a proper SMS induction.
🔲 Do you need training?
AMSA have and will continue to increase inspections to ensure operations, vessels and crews comply with their SMS and operate safely.
Training provides owners and masters peace of mind that they’ve equipped their crews properly, so the vessel and business run safely and smoothly.
Our training services include:
Vessel and crew inductions (onboard your vessel)
Onboard Emergency Response Training
Distress Flare Training
Fire Extinguisher Training
We also offer tailored individual training to meet your specific needs.
Training makes the difference between success and disaster! Our focus is to ensure your crew can not only handle emergencies—but handle them efficiently and safely.
🔲 Logbooks — Are yours completed correctly? Do you have all the ones you need?
AMSA takes documentation seriously. An inspection report includes a large section on “Documentation.” If you don’t have the right logbook/s, or they are incomplete or incorrectly filled out, AMSA could cease your operations immediately.
Log books should be treated with as much care as fuel—they are vital to vessel operations.
Our Log Books include all mandatory fields and extra information to keep you fully covered, plus sample pages to help you fill them out correctly.
We also customize Logbooks to meet owners’ specific requirements.
Check out our full range of Log Books with free postage — [Click Here]!
🔲 Maintenance — Is your vessel up to code? Have you updated your SMS accordingly?
Maintenance is crucial to avoid breakdowns during busy seasons when you want to be on the water, making money—not stuck on the slip. So, use your time wisely and ensure any downtime is utilised for maintenance. If you’ve done any maintenance, remember to log it correctly. Shorlink can provide a Maintenance Log Book for your vessel/s.
If you’ve made any significant changes (new engine, gearbox, etc.), contact Shorlink immediately to update your SMS.
🔲 Medical Stores — Check and stock up!
Medical stores should be checked before EVERY voyage. Make sure supplies are fully stocked and overstock common items, especially if you’ll be at sea for extended periods.
Check expiry dates and replace where necessary.
Your Medical Logbook should record the dispensing of all medical supplies, providing a verifiable tracking system. This helps Masters and Owners monitor usage and recipients.
Note: It’s a requirement for all DCVs to have a Medical Logbook. Shorlink offers a Medical Logbook — [Click Here to see]!
🔲 Emergency and Safety Equipment — Check and replace!
This is the most commonly overlooked area. Equipment can deteriorate or expire without you realising it.
Fire Extinguishers: Ensure you have the correct type for every emergency. They must be in-date and corrosion-free. If in doubt, replace them. We’ve seen vessels saved—or lost—because of this.
Fire Blankets: When was the last time you checked yours? They often get shoved away and forgotten. Ensure they’re accessible and intact, and crew know how to use them efficiently.
Distress Flares: Check expiry dates and ensure crew know where they are and how to use them.
Lifejackets: Check the condition…. Today! Lifejackets must not be waterlogged, must be stored dry and accessible, and crew/passengers must know how to don them quickly. If you have many crews or passengers, consider accessible distribution points and regular drills.
Do you own a recreational boat? Get a FREE Skipper’s Checklist!
At Shorlink, we created a simple checklist for skippers, available free of charge. Just drop us an email, and we’ll send it through so you can start the year safely.
Final Thoughts
We understand this list is long and comprehensive—but spending 10 minutes now could save lives, protect your business, and keep your vessel safe.
Here’s to a great 2026! And remember, if you need any help or advice, Shorlink is here for you!
Shorlink’s Recommendation
If you have any questions or concerns about any part of this checklist, please contact us immediately.
It is imperative that your business, vessel, and crew operate safely and within regulatory guidelines at all times—and we’re here to help ensure that happens.
At Shorlink, safety has always been, and will always remain, our top priority.
That’s why we offer free SMS assessments and are always happy to have a no-obligation chat over the phone to support you.
Together, we can keep our industry buoyant, safe, and flourishing!
Tip
Complete our checklist, please! If you would like us to email you a simplified copy of the checklist for ease of completing, please send an email to contact@shorlink.com
Shorlink Pty Ltd acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of land, sea and sky, recognising their deep, enduring connection to these places. We pay our respects to Elders past and present who hold the knowledge, culture and spiritual connections to land, sky and waters and whose guidance continues to shape their sustainable, ethical and responsible care.
