Maritime & Fisheries · Employer knowledge

Operator safety system & certification

Confirm which maritime safety-system pathway applies to the vessel and operation, then keep that system current, usable and aligned with the way the operation actually runs.

Maritime Rule Part 19 requires maritime transport operators within its scope to develop and operate in accordance with a safety system that is specific and appropriate to their operation. For commercial fishing, Maritime NZ says vessels must operate under an approved maritime safety system — generally a Safe Operational Plan (SOP) for qualifying smaller fishing vessels or a Maritime Transport Operator Plan (MTOP) under the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) for larger or broader operations.

Maritime NZ currently states that fishing vessels 6 metres or less operating within enclosed limits or within 2 miles of the New Zealand coast will generally need an approved SOP. Larger vessels, or vessels operating beyond those limits, will generally require an MTOP. Operators should confirm the pathway for their particular vessel and operation with Maritime NZ rather than treating those general descriptions as a substitute for the applicable Maritime Rules.

Where MOSS applies, Maritime NZ states that an operator needs an MTOP and a valid Maritime Transport Operator Certificate (MTOC) to legally operate the commercial maritime transport service. The MTOP is a working safety-management system, not simply an application document.

What should an operator have in place?

Correct safety-system pathwayConfirm whether the vessel and operation require an SOP, MTOP/MOSS or another applicable maritime pathway based on vessel size, operation and operating area.

Operation-specific systemMake sure the safety system reflects the activities, vessels, operating limits, risks, procedures, equipment and crew arrangements that actually exist.

MOSS certification where applicableIf operating under MOSS, maintain the required MTOP and MTOC and ensure each vessel has the applicable survey and other certification needed for the operation.

Keep it currentReview the safety system when vessels, activities, operating areas, equipment, risks or organisational details change. Notify or seek approval from Maritime NZ where the applicable rules require it.

Manager check

Have we confirmed which safety-system pathway applies to each vessel and operation?
Does our SOP or MTOP reflect the real operating area, activities, risks and procedures?
If MOSS applies, is our MTOC current and are the vessels correctly included in the operation?
Does the safety system connect to current survey, maintenance, safety-equipment and crew arrangements?
Can skippers and crew access the procedures they need for their vessel and duties?
Do we review the system when the operation changes rather than waiting for an audit or incident?
Have changes that require notification or approval been dealt with through Maritime NZ?

Maritime NZ: fishing vessel requirements →Maritime Rule Part 19 →Maritime NZ: MOSS →Back to Maritime & Fisheries Hub

NZQC provides practical educational information. It is not legal advice and does not certify that a provider is compliant. Check the official source and the requirements that apply to your service, contracts and scope.