Product Overview

This Small Vessel Launch and Transport SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for the launching, retrieval, transport and handling of small vessels and jet skis. It provides end-to-end coverage of boating safety, trailer movements and vessel handling tasks to support WHS compliance and safer marine operations for workers and customers.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Boating safety requirements when operating small vessels and jet skis in coastal, inland and marina environments
• Planning and conducting safe deliveries of boats and personal watercraft to customer locations, including handover procedures and safety briefings
• Safe jet ski hire operations, including pre-hire checks, rider induction, PPE requirements and emergency response
• Moving boats on trailers within yards, workshops, storage facilities and public roads, including spotters and traffic management
• Securing boats for transport using appropriate tie-downs, winches, supports and load restraint techniques to prevent movement or loss of load
• Slipping, launching and retrieving boats from ramps and slipways, including controls for vehicle roll-away, vessel movement and water hazards
• Safe slipway usage for vessel launching and retrieval, including communication protocols, exclusion zones and environmental considerations
• Inspection, handling and repair work on inflatable boats, including controls for punctures, compressed air equipment and chemical use
• Selection, inspection and use of tow vehicles, trailers and towing equipment suitable for vessel size, weight and conditions
• Manual handling of equipment such as anchors, fuel containers, batteries and portable outboard motors to minimise strain and crush injuries
• Management of weather, tide, current and visibility risks when planning vessel launch, retrieval and transport activities
• Emergency preparedness, including man-overboard response, first aid access and communication procedures with emergency services

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for marine hire and charter operators, boat dealers, jet ski hire businesses, marina and slipway operators, transport companies handling small vessels, and site supervisors overseeing small vessel launch and transport activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with vehicles, trailers, winches and lifting equipment used for vessel launch and transport
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for fuels, oils, cleaning agents and repair chemicals used around small vessels and inflatable boats
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, egress, lighting and amenities around ramps, slipways and storage areas
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls for small vessel operations
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid equipment and response for water-related and manual handling incidents
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of machinery (relevant parts): Principles for guarding and safe use of powered winches and mechanical equipment associated with launching and retrieving vessels
• AS/NZS 1598:2019 – Hose and hose assemblies for marine applications: Guidance for safe selection and use of hoses in marine fuel and water systems where applicable
• AS/NZS 3004.2 Electrical installations – Marinas and recreational boats: Electrical safety considerations for powered equipment and installations around marinas and small vessels
• Load Restraint Guide (National Transport Commission): Best practice for securing boats and trailers during road transport
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017