Revised Version of the Marine Order 504 Coming Into Effect on 1 June 2025

AMSA recently announced that a revised version of Marine Order 504, which includes changes to the safety management system requirements, will take effect on 1 June 2025.

Some things that need to be updated, reviewed or created include:

• Your Fatigue Management Plan
• Drug and Alcohol Policy
• Procedures for Operations and Emergencies
• Master and Designated Person Responsibility Statement
• Assembly Stations
• Vessel Stability

Detailed information can be found here.

The Safety Management System (SMS) requirements for certain types of vessels will be simplified. These changes should reduce administrative burdens and better align with operational needs.

Here are some of the key changes:

• If the owner is also the master, a master’s responsibility and authority statement is no longer required
• The mandatory procedures for vessel operations and details in the vessel’s crew list have been reduced
• The risk assessment no longer needs to identify the key daily tasks performed by the master and crew.
• A fatigue risk management and drug and alcohol policy are required

You can check if your vessel is eligible through this link.

Remember that you are required to have a full SMS until 1 June 2025. AMSA is working on detailed guidance and examples to support operators to develop a simplified SMS. This will be released closer to 1 June 2025.

Expiry of Certain National Law General Exemptions

AMSA has also announced that some National Law general exemptions are set to expire on 30 June 2025.

Below is a list of the exemptions that will expire and not be reissued:

• Exemption 13 – Marine Safety (Wildlife or other sightseeing) Exemption 2020
• Exemption 18 – Marine Safety (Sail) Exemption 2020
• Exemption 21 – Marine Safety (Operator vehicular ferry-in-chains) Exemption 2020
• Exemption 25 – Marine Safety (old certificates of competency – local restrictions) Exemption 2020
• Exemption 33 – Marine Safety (sailing vessels with motor propulsion) Exemption 2020

What does this mean for you?

If you hold one of these exemptions and want to keep operating after June 2025, you will have to ensure you meet the requirements of Marine Order 505. This may require you to get a suitable certificate of competency.

Further information can be found on the AMSA website.