Product Overview

Summary: This Waterfront Safety Procedures Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for managing risks around jetties, marinas, wharves, boat ramps and other waterfront workplaces. It helps Australian businesses protect workers, contractors, visitors and the public from drowning, slips, trips, falls, vessel movements and changing environmental conditions while meeting WHS obligations.

Waterfront environments are dynamic, high-risk workplaces where a minor oversight can quickly escalate into a serious incident. From slippery surfaces and tidal changes to vessel traffic, poor visibility and public access, managing safety at the water’s edge requires a structured, consistent approach. This Waterfront Safety Procedures SOP sets out clear, step‑by‑step requirements for planning, operating and supervising work near or over water, ensuring that everyone on site understands how to identify hazards, apply controls and respond effectively in an emergency.

Developed for Australian conditions, this SOP supports compliance with WHS legislation and maritime safety expectations across a wide range of waterfront operations, including ports, marinas, council foreshore areas, tourism operators and construction projects near waterways. It addresses practical issues such as lifejacket use, safe access to vessels, managing public interaction with work areas, weather and tide monitoring, and emergency rescue arrangements. By standardising how your organisation manages waterfront risks, this document reduces ambiguity, strengthens due diligence, and provides a defensible record of your safety management approach in the event of an incident or regulator inquiry.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of drowning, slips, trips and falls by implementing consistent controls at all waterfront interfaces.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS laws and maritime safety expectations for work in and around water.
• Standardise waterfront safety practices across multiple sites, shifts and contractors for predictable, safer operations.
• Improve emergency preparedness with clear procedures for water rescues, man‑overboard incidents and severe weather events.
• Enhance public and worker confidence by demonstrating a visible, well‑documented approach to waterfront risk management.

Who is this for?

• Marina Managers
• Harbour Masters
• Operations Managers (Ports and Waterfront Facilities)
• Aquatic Centre and Waterfront Venue Managers
• Council Parks and Foreshore Coordinators
• Construction Site Supervisors (marine and civil works near water)
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Lifeguard Coordinators and Safety Officers
• Ferry and Water Taxi Operators
• Tourism and Adventure Activity Operators (e.g. kayaking, boating, jet ski hire)

Hazards Addressed

• Drowning and immersion incidents (including man‑overboard events)
• Slips, trips and falls on wet, uneven or algae‑covered surfaces
• Falls from height into water from wharves, jetties, pontoons or vessels
• Struck‑by or crush injuries from vessel movements and berthing operations
• Entrapment between vessels and fixed structures
• Adverse weather, tides, currents and wave action affecting stability and access
• Poor visibility at night or in fog impacting navigation and pedestrian safety
• Cold water shock and hypothermia during immersion
• Electrical hazards from equipment used near or over water
• Traffic interaction between vehicles, pedestrians and plant on waterfront structures

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Waterfront Context
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Waterfront Areas
• 5.0 Waterfront Access, Traffic Management and Restricted Zones
• 6.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Lifejacket Requirements
• 7.0 Safe Work Procedures Near and Over Water
• 8.0 Vessel Berthing, Mooring and Boarding Procedures
• 9.0 Public Interface and Crowd Management at Waterfront Sites
• 10.0 Environmental Monitoring (Weather, Tides, Currents and Visibility)
• 11.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response (Man‑Overboard, Rescue and First Aid)
• 12.0 Communication, Signage and Lighting Requirements
• 13.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 14.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Housekeeping of Waterfront Structures
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 16.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (and state/territory equivalents) – duties relating to work near water, falls and emergency plans
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 4758 series: Lifejackets
• AS/NZS 2416 series: Water safety signs and beach safety flags
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) – relevant parts for operations near commercial vessels
• Local port, harbour and maritime authority rules and guidelines (jurisdiction-specific)