Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step approach for safely maintaining tidal energy conversion systems in Australian marine environments. It helps operators manage complex electromechanical, hydraulic and marine hazards while maximising asset reliability, energy output and WHS compliance.

Tidal energy conversion systems operate in some of the harshest conditions in Australia’s renewable energy landscape, combining high-energy marine environments, electrical generation equipment and complex mechanical systems. Without a robust, standardised maintenance procedure, operators face increased safety risk, unplanned downtime, accelerated corrosion and difficulty demonstrating compliance with WHS and environmental obligations. This SOP provides a structured maintenance framework that integrates marine safety, electrical isolation, confined space and working-over-water controls into one practical document tailored to tidal assets.

The procedure covers the full maintenance lifecycle, from planning, risk assessment and pre-launch checks through to offshore access, isolation and lock-out, inspection, servicing, testing and safe return to operation. It addresses the unique challenges of tidal systems, including strong currents, biofouling, submerged and semi-submerged equipment, cable management, hydraulic systems and environmental protection measures. By implementing this SOP, organisations can standardise maintenance across sites and contractors, improve safety culture, extend asset life and provide clear, auditable evidence of due diligence under Australian WHS law.

Key Benefits

• Improve worker safety during offshore and near-shore maintenance activities on tidal energy assets.
• Reduce unplanned outages and costly breakdowns through structured, preventative maintenance routines.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation, marine safety requirements and relevant electrical standards.
• Standardise maintenance practices across in-house teams and contractors for consistent, repeatable outcomes.
• Enhance asset performance and lifespan by controlling corrosion, biofouling and mechanical wear in harsh marine environments.

Who is this for?

• Tidal Energy Technicians
• Electrical Fitters and Mechanics
• Mechanical Maintenance Technicians
• Marine Operations Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Renewable Energy Project Managers
• Offshore/Marine Supervisors
• Asset and Reliability Engineers
• Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Contractors
• Environmental and Compliance Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Drowning and immersion risks when working over or near water
• Falls from vessels, pontoons, platforms and access structures
• Strong tidal currents and vessel movement impacting safe access
• Electric shock and arc flash from generators, switchgear and subsea cables
• Mechanical entanglement or crush injuries from moving turbines, gearboxes and rotating components
• Hydraulic system failures, high-pressure fluid injection and hose whip
• Manual handling injuries from lifting tools, components and mooring equipment
• Exposure to corrosive marine environments, biofouling organisms and contaminated water
• Confined space risks in nacelles, chambers or enclosed structural components
• Weather-related hazards including high winds, waves, reduced visibility and storms

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and System Overview (Turbines, Generators, Moorings, Cables)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Risk Management and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Requirements
• 6.0 Pre-Maintenance Planning and Weather/Tidal Window Assessment
• 7.0 Vessel, Access and Marine Safety Requirements
• 8.0 Isolation, Lock-out/Tag-out and Verification of Zero Energy
• 9.0 Working at Height and Over Water Controls
• 10.0 Confined Space Entry (Where Applicable)
• 11.0 Electrical Maintenance Procedures (Generators, Switchgear, Cables)
• 12.0 Mechanical and Hydraulic Maintenance Procedures (Turbines, Gearboxes, Actuators)
• 13.0 Corrosion Control, Coatings and Biofouling Management
• 14.0 Inspection, Testing, Commissioning and Return-to-Service Checks
• 15.0 Environmental Protection Measures (Spill Prevention, Waste and Marine Fauna Considerations)
• 16.0 PPE Requirements and Equipment Checklists
• 17.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response (Man Overboard, Electrical Incident, Mechanical Failure)
• 18.0 Documentation, Reporting and Recordkeeping
• 19.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and model WHS Regulations as implemented in relevant states and territories
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Confined Spaces Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3017: Electrical installations – Verification guidelines
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (noting transition to ISO 45001)
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1715 & AS/NZS 1716: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment and respiratory protective devices
• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 and associated Marine Orders (where applicable to work vessels)