RMS Policy
SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN GUIDELINE CLASS 4 VESSELS
Introduction
The National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part F Leisure Craft requires operators of
Class 4 vessels to maintain, implement and monitor a safety management plan that identifies the
risks within the control of the vessel owner and provides for the management of those risks so that
unnecessary risks are avoided, risks that cannot be avoided are minimised, systems on board craft
that are essential to safety are maintained and records of events and information relevant to safety
are maintained.
The Marine Safety (Commercial Vessels) Regulation 2010 requires vessel owners to have and
implement a safety management system.
Maritime Division, Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) has developed this guideline to assist
operators of Class 4 vessels to meet these requirements.
Application of this guideline
This guideline applies to all Class 4 vessels in New South Wales that are not subject to a Hire and
Drive Licence. This includes all Class 4C vessels and Class 4D and Class 4E powered vessels that
are 7.5m or more in length.
NOTE: Hire and Drive Licences covers Class 4D and Class 4E powered vessels less than 7.5 metres in length;
unpowered vessels such as canoe, kayak, rowboat or pedalcraft; and ‘off the beach’ sailing vessels that are less
than 10m in length.
How to use this guideline
This guideline provides a summary of the requirements you need to implement.
RMS has also produced a number of sample documents that you can customise for your own
business. Hard copies of these documents are included in the back of this guideline to assist you in
developing your own documentation and procedures, or alternatively you can download these as
individual word documents from our website www.maritime.nsw.gov.au.
For more information
For more information phone (02) 9563 8777 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
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1.
Safety management plan
The following items are the minimum elements that must be addressed by the operator of a Class 4
vessel as part of their safety management plan.
Safety management plan
Summary of the minimum elements for a Class 4 vessel
You must—

provide instructions to hirers 

dispose of waste legally

keep records of all hirings for a minimum of 12 months 

maintain a register of incidents, accidents and hazards 

report certain marine accidents to RMS

have an emergency plan for hirers 

have an emergency plan for staff

have a suitable rescue vessel available at all times

identify suitable emergency access locations

monitor sea and weather conditions and have plans in place to ensure the safety
of vessels and hirers in poor weather conditions

have a preventative vessel maintenance schedule and keep a record of all
maintenance carried out 

check all vessels prior to hiring to confirm they are seaworthy 
 = Sample document available
These elements are described in more detail in the following pages.
Instructions to hirers
You must provide instructions to hirers.

Instructions to hirers should include a verbal briefing on key safety and operational features.

See Annex 1— Sample Checklist – Instructions to Hirers.
This should be customised to suit your vessels and location.

In addition to verbal instructions an instruction manual and/or signage should be provided on
the vessel so that the hirer can check the instructions at any time.

Hirers must be made aware of any risks associated with the hire. Such risks should be
identified, assessed and addressed in the Instructions to Hirers.

Particular attention should be paid to risks that specifically apply to children such as climbing,
clearances under railings, kitchen and BBQ equipment and the need for constant supervision
in such an environment.

In addition to issuing Instructions to Hirers, you should ensure that a copy of the RMS
Information for Hirers document is displayed in a conspicuous place near the main control
point of the vessel. You should include this information in your Instructions to Hirers.
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
See copy of RMS Information for Hirers.
Environment protection
Grey water and sewage
You must have a waste management plan and dispose of all waste legally

Grey water and sewage must be disposed of in accordance with the Protection of the
Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) and the Marine Pollution Regulation 2006.
NOTE: It is illegal to pollute NSW waterways
Administration and record keeping
Hirer records
You must keep records of all hirings.

Hirer records must be retained for a minimum of 12 months. They should include:
Primary hirer:

Name and address

A contact number
General:

Name or number of vessel;

Date and time of departure;

Date and time of return;

The number of other people on board

The number of the hirer’s general boat diving licence or PWC licence, if applicable;

A signed acknowledgement of the companies Instructions to Hirers.

See Annex 2— Sample Hirer Record Sheet
Incidents, accidents and hazards
You must maintain a register of incidents, accidents and hazards.
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
The register should be reviewed regularly and corrective actions taken to reduce the likelihood
and severity of incidents and accidents.

Operators are encouraged to adopt the practices set out within Hazpak – A guide to basic risk
management, a WorkCover NSW publication for this purpose.

See Annex 3 – Sample Incident /Injury Report Form
See Annex 4— Sample Hazard Report Form
A copy of Hazpak – A Practical Guide to Basic Risk Management can be
downloaded at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
Reportable incidents
You must report certain marine accidents to RMS.

A marine incident or accident is reportable to RMS if it results in or, could have possibly
resulted in:
o
The loss of life or injury to any person onboard a vessel;
o
The loss of a person from the vessel
o
The loss of life or injury to a person that is caused by the vessel;
o
The loss, or presumed loss of the vessel (including sinking or abandonment of the vessel);
o
The capsizing, grounding or flooding of the vessel;
o
The collision of the vessel with another vessel or with any object;
o
The vessel being disabled at sea (in any case in which it requires assistance);
o
Any fire onboard the vessel;
o
Any damage being caused to the vessel (including structural failure);
o
Any damage to the environment caused by the vessel or by any substance on, or
discharge from, the vessel; or
o
Any incident that causes danger of any of the above.

You are required to notify RMS of such incidents as soon as practicable by the quickest means
available.

RMS has an incident report form available to assist in making reports.
RMS
Vessel
Incident
www.maritime.nsw.gov.au.
Reports
can
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be
downloaded
from
Emergency management
Emergency management plan - hirers
You must have an emergency management plan in place for hirers.

The emergency management plan should include:
o
Identification of local hazards such as submerged objects and shipping lanes:
o
Emergency access locations;
o
Emergency contact numbers;
o
Location and use of emergency safety equipment

See Annex 5— Sample Emergency Plan—XYZ Holiday
Emergency management plan – operators
You must have an emergency management plan for staff.

You must identify possible emergency situations and have an appropriate emergency
response planned.
NOTE: Emergency situations that require a prepared response would include medical emergencies,
breakdowns, collisions, groundings, fires, explosions etc.
Rescue vessel
You must have a suitable rescue vessel available at all times.

The vessel should be a power driven vessel capable of rescuing those onboard a hired vessel
and/or towing a hired vessel.
Dinghy or tender
Dinghy or tender must be under a H & D Licence.

If you offer a dinghy or tender as an optional extra to the hirer, you must ensure that the dinghy
or tender is under Hire and Drive Licence. For further information on the process of getting H &
D Licence, see our website (http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/).
Emergency access locations
You must identify suitable emergency access locations.

Consider the nature and size of the designated hire area and the capabilities of Emergency
Services within the region.

Generally sites that have wharf and/or vehicle access and are easily identifiable by the hirer
are preferred.
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
Emergency access locations should be marked on a map that is easily identified and able to be
read from the main control point of the vessel.

Emergency access locations should be provided in the Instructions to Hirers.
Adverse conditions
You must monitor sea and weather conditions and have plans in place to ensure the safety
of vessels and hirers in poor weather conditions.

Plans may include cancelling hire arrangements when weather is poor, recalling hired vessels
to base, assisting hirers to seek shelter, securing vessels or piloting vessels back to base.
Maintenance
General maintenance
You must have a preventative vessel maintenance schedule and keep a record of all
maintenance carried out.

This assists in tracking problem equipment and ensuring that a vessel is in a safe condition all
year round.

Consider using a maintenance schedule to aid planning, budgeting and executing maintenance
tasks in addition to recording maintenance work completed.

See Annex 6—
Sample Schedule of Maintenance Items
Pre hire check
You must check all vessels prior to hiring to confirm they are seaworthy

A standard checklist of items to be inspected should be prepared.

2.
Annex 7— Sample Pre-Hire Vessel Checklist
Related information
Reference documents: RMS Safety Management Plan Guideline for Class 4 Vessels
Published: May 2012
Admin Instruction replaces: Safety Management Plan Guideline for Class 4 Vessels – May
2012

Changes undertaken on this document is solely for re-branding purposes. (August 2012)
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Sample Documents
Electronic copies of all of these documents are available for downloading from
www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
Please note that these samples are provided for advice only and must be customised
for your particular circumstances
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Annex 1 — Sample Checklist – Instructions to Hirers
Date:
Vessel:
Hirer:
Reference:
General Arrangement

Railings and chains must be secured whilst underway

Children must be supervised at all times

Bow-riding not permitted

Deck hatches to remain secure

No persons to be on swim platform or beyond the stern railings while engines running

Location and wearing of life jackets

Disposal of sewage and grey water

Communication between vessel and base
Controls and Safety

Machinery/pumping systems/alarms/gauges

Fuel

Fire extinguishers

First aid kit

Emergency plan

Reporting accidents

RMS – Instructions for Hirers
Navigation

Manoeuvring / passing/basic right of way rules/ lights

Swimmers in the water /avoiding propeller strike

Watch-keeping

Anchor operation / mooring / berthing / use of gangways

Call up for pilot when approaching wharf
Hirer orientated by: ______________________________
The points contained in this checklist have been explained to me and I understand the instructions for
hire of the vessel.
Hirer’s Name: _______________________ Signature:____________________________
Information for Hirers
Boating Safety

Never venture out of the area designated by the hire operator.

Always keep a proper look out. When navigating in areas with considerable traffic or in close
quarters to other vessels have another person assist you in keeping a look out.

Always ensure engines are off before swimmers enter the water and remain off until all swimmers
are back onboard. Avoid any areas where there are swimmers in the water. Avoid swimming in
confined areas such as between the pontoons of a houseboat as the air here can be toxic.

Don’t swim, snorkel or dive in areas of the river that might be used by high speed craft as you can’t
easily be seen by the boat drivers.

Never sit on or have any part of your body over the front, side or rear of the vessel when it is
underway. Bow riding is extremely dangerous.

Children must be supervised at all times.

It is a good practice to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) in heightened risk situations. Children
and non-swimmers should be encouraged to wear PFDs in open areas of the craft. When using a
dinghy or tender, all occupants should wear PFDs.

Ensure that the anchor light is on when anchored from sunset to sunrise. If you are anchored in a
busy area show additional lights and keep a good look out.

Be aware of the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless and
odourless gas produced when carbon based fuel, such as diesel, gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil
burn. Sources on a boat include engine exhaust, gas stoves and fridges and water heaters

You must report any incident or accident involving the vessel to RMS using the Vessel Incident
Report form which can be downloaded from the RMS website
Drugs & Alcohol

It is an offence to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

The blood alcohol limit for operating a vessel is 0.05 if you are over 18 or 0.00 if you are under 18;
the same as for driving a car.

Police and RMS Boating Safety Officers patrol New South Wales waterways. Operators of vessels
underway may be subject to random breath testing. A vessel operator includes anyone who is
steering or exercising control over a vessel.

Heavy penalties, including imprisonment, could be faced by any vessel operators found to be over
the blood alcohol limit.
Annex 2 — Sample Hirer Record Sheet
Date
Vessel
Departure
time
Departure
date
Return time
Return date
PRIMARY HIRER
Surname
Given name
Address
Telephone
Mobile
Boat licence
number
HIRE PARTY DETAILS
Surname
Given names
Annex 3 — Sample Incident / Injury Report Form
Please print clearly and tick the correct box
Person affected:

Employee

Contractor

Outcome:

Near miss

Injury
Vessel Id: __________________________
Passenger
1. DETAILS OF INJURED PERSON
Name: ___________________________________________ Phone: (H)
Address: _________________________________________________ Sex:
(W)

M

F
_______________________________________________________ Date of birth: ________________________
_______________________________________________________ Position: ____________________________
2. DETAILS OF INCIDENT
Date: ______________________
Time: _______________________________
Location: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Describe what happened and how:______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
3. DETAILS OF WITNESSES
Name: __________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
4. DETAILS OF INJURY
Nature of injury (eg burn, cut, sprain) _______________________________________________________________
Cause of injury (eg fall, grabbed by person) ___________________________________________________________
Location on body (eg back, left forearm) _____________________________________________________________
5. TREATMENT ADMINISTERED
First Aid given

Yes

No
Name of person providing first aid: _________________________________________________________________
Treatment: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Referred to: __________________________________________________________________________________
Annex 4 — Sample Hazard Report Form
Please print clearly
DETAILS
Vessel:
Location:
Submitted by:
Date Reported:
HAZARD DESCRIPTION
POSSIBLE SOLUTION(S) TO RECTIFY HAZARD
ACTION(S) COMPLETED
CONTROL MEASURES EMPLOYED
REVIEW (Suitable timeframe to review control measures to ensure that they are effective)
13
Annex 5 — Sample Emergency Plan—XYZ Holiday
IN THE EVENT OF AN
EMERGENCY
1. Contact Police, Fire and Ambulance if
necessary
2. Contact XYZ Holidays
3. Contain emergency situation and follow
directions from XYZ Holidays and / or Police,
Fire, Ambulance
COMMUNICATION
1. Police, Fire & Ambulance: 000 or 112 if calling
from an international mobile phone
2. XYZ Holidays 24hr mobile:
_________________
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Fire Extinguishers: Located next to the main
control point and near to the rear entry
Fire Blanket: Located in the Galley to the side of
the fridge
First Aid Kit: Located in the cupboard under the
main control point
EMERGENCY ACCESS
LOCATIONS
1. XYZ Holidays– Squiggle Wharf – Longnose
Road, Montegue
2. Ramsey Point – 18 Notts Close, Leston (Note:
this is a private property and wharf and can be
identified by the blue boatshed)
3. VHF Radio: Ensure radio is set to channel __ ,
press button on the side of the microphone to
talk and release to listen
14
15
Annex 6 — Sample Schedule of Maintenance Items
NB: This schedule of maintenance items is generic and should be altered to suit a particular vessel and organisation.
Area
General
Arrangement
Machinery
Item
Detail
Ladders, stairs
Ensure ladders and stairs are secure and
tread is not worn smooth.
Guard rails
Ensure rails/wires are in good condition
(no broken strands) and stanchions are
secure.
Deck surfaces
Ensure non skid finish and in good
condition.
Toilets,
showers and
hand basins
Ensure these facilities are operational, in
good condition and hygienic.
LPG system
Ensure safety shut-off is operational and
system is working properly.
Sullage /
sewage tanks
Ensure no leaks.
Waste pipes
Ensure pipes are operational and in good
condition.
Main and
auxiliary
engines
Service regularly.
Frequency of service / inspection
Area
Electrical
Item
Low Voltage
(240 / 415
volts) system
Extra Low
Voltage
(12 / 24 volt)
battery
supplied
system
Safety
Lifejackets
list type
Fire Fighting
Fire detectors
Detail
Visually inspect the electrical installation,
including; plugs, socket, extension leads,
and portable equipment. Check for
mechanical damage, corrosion, watertight
integrity of fittings in exposed locations
and exposed wiring.
Batteries: check the general condition,
tightness of terminals and electrolyte
levels of wet cells
Inspect the complete electrical
installation. Check for cleanliness,
mechanical damage, corrosion, watertight
integrity of fittings in exposed locations
and exposed wiring or terminals.
Inspect overall condition of jackets
including straps and reflective tape.
Where buoyant material has hardened or
flattened, jacket to be discarded. Check
that jackets are readily accessible.
Renew batteries if applicable, check
operability.
Frequency of service / inspection
Area
Item
Portable fire
extinguishers
Detail
Service in accordance with manufacturer's
recommendation.
Check pressure gauges during predeparture checks. Shake dry powder units
regularly to ensure powder has not
compacted.
Structure
Hull
protection
Paint underwater areas at each slipping
and topsides if necessary, Replace or fit
additional anodes if necessary.
Frequency of service / inspection
Annex 7 — Sample Pre-Hire Vessel Checklist
Date:
Vessel:
Completed by:
Cabin

Fire extinguishers

First aid kit

Information for hirer

Emergency plan

VHF radio

Helm gauges and controls

Lifejackets
Mechanical & Plant

Bilges

Fuel tanks full

Fresh water full

Sullage tank empty

Engines only start in neutral

Generator

LPG bottle
Decks

Railings in good repair

Anchor equipment

Navigation lights working
General

Deck lights working

Kitchen in good order
Published by Maritime Division
Roads & Maritime Services
Locked Bag 5100
Camperdown NSW 1450
www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
Version August 2012