Product Overview

This Vessel Operations and Seamanship Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for marine and offshore vessel activities to support safe and efficient operations. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of vessel handling, seamanship, crew duties, and marine support tasks to help you maintain WHS compliance and robust marine safety management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe planning and execution of anchor handling operations, including deployment, retrieval, and securing of anchors
• Management of ballasting and de-ballasting operations to maintain vessel stability, trim, and structural integrity
• Control of bilge and ballast system operations, including pump use, valve alignment, and monitoring for leaks or contamination
• Operation of workboats, barges, and support vessels in harbour, coastal, and offshore environments
• Use of bow thrusters and propulsion systems for precise manoeuvring during berthing, unberthing, and close-quarters operations
• Carrying out mooring operations, including line handling, winch use, and communication between deck crew and bridge
• Conducting offshore operations such as standby duties, supply runs, and support to offshore installations under varying sea conditions
• Safe planning and execution of crew transfers between vessels, barges, and offshore structures, including gangway and small craft transfers
• Engine room watchkeeping duties, including monitoring of machinery, fuel systems, alarms, and emergency shutdown procedures
• Ferry operations including passenger management, vehicle loading/unloading, and emergency response readiness
• Galley and catering waste disposal, including segregation, storage, and environmentally compliant discharge or landing ashore
• Heavy weather sailing procedures, including securing of loose gear, watertight integrity checks, and speed/course adjustments
• Manoeuvring in restricted waters, channels, and ports with attention to under-keel clearance, traffic, and navigational hazards
• Execution of Master’s night orders, including bridge watch routines, lookout requirements, and escalation protocols
• Navigating around water hazards such as shallow areas, reefs, marine farms, and floating debris using charts, radar, and visual cues
• Emergency preparedness, including man overboard response, collision/grounding procedures, and abandon ship drills

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for commercial vessel operators, ferry services, offshore support vessels, barge operators, marine contractors, and masters, engineers, and deck crew working in Australian coastal and offshore waters.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012: Governs safety of domestic commercial vessel operations in Australian waters
• Marine Orders under the Navigation Act 2012 (as applicable): AMSA Marine Orders relating to crew, operations, and safety management systems
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV): Design, construction, equipment, and operational standards for commercial vessels
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Requirements for safe work environments on vessels and marine workplaces
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Systematic identification, assessment, and control of risks in vessel operations
• Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace: Provision of first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel on board
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational health and safety management systems: Framework for implementing and maintaining an effective marine safety management system
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017