Product Overview

This Aquaculture Fish Farming and Marine Agriculture Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for fish farming and marine agriculture activities in Australian waters. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document that consolidates multiple aquaculture and marine farming operations to support WHS compliance and safe, efficient aquaculture operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of aquaculture operations, including site access, vessel movements, and daily work scheduling
• Safe operation of fish farming systems, including feeding, grading, harvesting, and stock handling procedures
• Cage reclamation activities, including removal, repair, and reinstatement of sea cages, nets, and associated infrastructure
• Installation, inspection, and maintenance of marine cages, net pens, moorings, and walkways
• Manual handling of feed bags, equipment, nets, and harvested product to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Working over and around water, including the use of lifejackets, rescue equipment, and man-overboard procedures
• Use of vessels and workboats for transport of personnel, feed, and equipment to and from aquaculture sites
• Safe use of powered equipment such as winches, net haulers, pumps, aerators, and feeding systems
• Control of biological hazards including exposure to fish pathogens, chemicals, and contaminated water
• Environmental risk management for spills, waste handling, and protection of marine ecosystems
• Working in adverse weather, low visibility, and rough sea conditions, including stop-work and emergency protocols
• Communication procedures, site inductions, and supervision for workers, contractors, and visitors on marine farms

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for aquaculture and fish farming operators, marine agriculture businesses, vessel skippers, and site supervisors responsible for managing safe work on marine farms and aquaculture facilities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction Code of Practice: Applicable where elevated platforms, walkways, or structures are used on marine farms
• Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance for safe use of winches, pumps, feeding systems, and other plant
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: For handling treatments, disinfectants, fuels, and other chemicals used in aquaculture
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid arrangements on vessels and remote marine sites
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Ensuring adequate amenities, shelter, and emergency arrangements in marine and shore-based facilities
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for working on cages, pontoons, and elevated structures over water
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices: Selection and use of harnesses and fall-arrest equipment where applicable
• AS 4758 Personal flotation devices: Requirements for lifejackets used during marine and aquaculture operations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017