Hi everyone – it is Tracey here, the Administration in Shorlink. My first newsletter but I truly felt it was needed as I am seeing firsthand the impact of AMSA so far in 2026.
We have only been back from our Christmas break for a couple of weeks, and every single day we have had call/s from both current and now new clients panicked because AMSA has completed an inspection and their SMS is not updated with ALLLLLL the changes that were made last year (and even one this year) and their vessel and business has been tied-up.
Seriously! And AMSA haven’t even begun….. They will start their targeted campaign on 2nd February, so these vessel owners and skippers that have been targeted are only the start!
As someone who loves the industry – I’m always perplexed why people don’t update their SMS’s exactly every time it needs to be done. I do completely understand the frustration of the many changes, and believe me, I would love if AMSA did just make one bulk lot of changes per annum – but I equally understand that AMSA’s main priority is always safety on the water and if it means bringing in a legislation immediately, then we cannot complain when it is for all our safety.
Another thing I’ve seen firsthand this year already is three very, very serious incidents that occurred onboard on our client’s vessels. The SMS and subsequent induction and training played a crucial role is displaying our client’s commitment to safety of their crew, passengers, waters and vessel and to date, there has been no further litigation. Why? BECAUSE THE SMS IS UPDATED, COMPLIANT AND INDUCTED CORRECTLY!
This last two weeks here at Shorlink has in my opinion, been the most serious and heartbreaking in the last nearly six years I have been here. Even worse than the pandemic…. Why? Because it is avoidable!
Purely by ensuring your SMS is up to date with each change which includes but is certainly not limited to Hazardous Gases, Fatigue Risk Management Plan, Special Personnel if applicable plus more! ALSO you do need to review your SMS EVERY SINGLE YEAR to ensure compliancy too.
These calls from marine businesses that have been tied-up due to their SMS non-compliance and the desperation for Shorlink to drop everything and help them get compliant and assist with the AMSA inspection via marine consultancy has certainly put a focus on just how many out there are non-compliant or relying on an ‘admin person’/skipper/google to sort them out. It’s crazy.
I want to take this opportunity to convey to our current clients, that we have several we are still working through the redevelopment and you are and will always remain our priority. We do triage our work as it comes in, as I’m sure you would all agree if you had an incident and needed marine consultancy from Wayne urgently, you honestly need it.
So, I guess my message here is:
PLEASE get your SMS up-to-date.
PLEASE ensure everyone onboard (and even some in your office if needed) are inducted into the redeveloped SMS;
PLEASE ensure you are meeting your training requirements as per your SMS;
PLEASE ensure every person that attends a training session, sign off the necessary paperwork to cover you in case of an incident beside peace of mind.
This all feels overwhelming – and it is! You are right!
That is why I love to recommend Managed Services to each and every person, whether it be one vessel or a fleet. It is extremely affordable option to ensure your compliance is always up-to-date, you have consultancy in your back pocket for any issue that may arise whether internal, external or an incident and training if you like. Once again, a small investment to ensure huge protection for you.
Call me at the office on (07) 4242 1412. Let me chat with you through your current SMS and if it requires updating and if so, timings and costings. If things get complicated, Wayne is always available for the answers.
Keep an eye on your emails. I’ve been sending past, present and future client’s emails for months regarding the changes and the seriousness that they can have. Combined with the incidents that have happened this year, I would love the whole marine industry to be covered both safely and legally for any unexpected occurrence.
Your vessel is insured, you have life insurance, you likely have a Super – please don’t leave the protection of your vessel, business, crew and passengers to chance. It will cost you absolutely nothing to enquire with me regarding all of the above, $0!
Let’s also work with our colleagues, friends and family ensuring that all of the above is adhered to all and all inspections are left empty handed – wouldn’t that be great!
