The Australian Port Marine Safety Management Guidelines

The Australian
Port Marine Safety
Management Guidelines
June 2015

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 The Australian Port Marine Safety Management Guidelines

Cover photo top: Courtesy of Pilbara Ports Authority.

Cover photo bottom: Courtesy of Port Authority of NSW.

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 The Australian Port Marine Safety Management Guidelines

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 3

LEGAL BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................... 4

FUNCTIONS TO WHICH THE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES APPLY ......................................................... 4

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PORT SAFETY .................................................................................................. 4

RISK ASSESSMENT AND DUE DILIGENCE ........................................................................................... 5

KEY MEASURES NEEDED FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES BY A PMSMS .... 5

GENERAL DUTIES AND POWERS ........................................................................................................ 6

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND POWERS ......................................................................................................... 7

PILOTAGE .......................................................................................................................................... 8

PORT CONTROL AND VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES .............................................................................. 9

AIDS TO NAVIGATION ........................................................................................................................ 10

HYDROGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................ 10

DANGEROUS GOODS ........................................................................................................................ 11

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................................................... 11

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ...................................................................................................... 13

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 The Australian Port Marine Safety Management Guidelines

Photo courtesy of Port Authority of NSW.

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 The Australian Port Marine Safety Management Guidelines

INTRODUCTION
The aim of the Port Marine Safety Management Guidelines for The PMSMS will be informed by and based upon a due diligence
Australian Ports (the Guidelines) is to promote good practice in the process and a formal assessment of risks. The relevance of due
conduct of safe marine operations. They provide a framework which diligence will be discussed further in these Guidelines.
ports in Australia may choose to use as a guide. As a component of the port’s overall safety management system,
They encourage the use of a systemised procedure for evaluating the objective of the PMSMS should be to establish protocols and
risks inherent in port marine operations, and suggest ways to address procedures, covering all of the marine operations of a port, which
and minimise those risks. ensure that risks are minimised and opportunities to prevent the
occurrence and recurrence of incidents are maximised.
The Guidelines are not law. They are designed to provide guidance
on good practice and to outline a template against which the policies, The main aim of these Guidelines is to provide guidance on good
procedures and performance of port marine operational practice practice for the safe management of vessels in Australian ports,
may be measured. They are also designed to encourage clarity for focussing on the prevention of human injury or loss of life and
governance arrangements and accountability. including the avoidance of damage to the marine and associated
terrestrial environment, property and infrastructure.
The Guidelines do not supersede or overwrite any regulatory
obligations ports may have under a national, state, territory or local Adopting and implementing the Guidelines could form part of a
jurisdiction. defence action in court, if necessary.

The Guidelines are designed to serve as a framework for a port’s

marine safety management system (PMSMS). This will be a part of,
but separate from, the overarching Work/Occupational Health and
Safety Port or Business Safety Management System (SMS). The
PMSMS should be part of the overall SMS but be designed to focus
specifically on those port marine activities and operations mainly
undertaken in the waters of a port by vessels.

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 The Australian Port Marine Safety Management Guidelines

Legal Background Responsibility for Port Safety

Due to the various statutory regimes regulating the safety of The Guidelines refer to some of the existing legal duties and powers
Australian ports, it is not practical to list the legislation relevant to all that affect ports in relation to marine safety, but the document does
ports within the country. Rather, the Guidelines provide guidance and not – in itself – create any new legal duties. There are, however,
examples, where applicable, highlighting the relevant regulatory areas several additional measures which, although not mandatory under
which might be considered in order to provide for the safe conduct of legislation, are key to its successful implementation. In order to
marine operations within ports. warrant recognition of good practice therefore, ports should:
• be aware of their existing powers and duties;
Functions to Which the • develop an effective PMSMS, which employs a formal assessment
Guidelines Apply of risks, framed by due diligence procedures;
• employ people who are competent and qualified for the positions
The Guidelines are concerned with port responsibilities for port
they hold;
marine safety and do not attempt to cover all of the duties and
responsibilities of a port, or even all of their safety responsibilities. • maintain a comprehensive operational safety plan, which is
It is expected that the overall port or business Safety Management regularly assessed for performance.
System (SMS) will contain the PMSMS and that the overall port SMS Due to the varying models used to regulate and manage port
will address the generic WHS/OHS risks associated with the business. marine safety in the different Australian states and territory, it is

Photo courtesy of North Queensland Bulk Ports.

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 The Australian Port Marine Safety Management Guidelines

recommended that ports detail the applicable legislation regulating As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) but also be reduced So Far As
the safety of navigation and conduct of port marine operations Is Reasonably Practicable (SFAIRP).This is a subtle but important
within their PMSMS. This should include details of the entities and difference.
regulatory bodies which are responsible for the following aspects of
This due diligence approach is the method used in Commonwealth
marine and navigational safety:
model WHS legislation. Though the model legislation has not been
• establish maritime rules relating to aspects such as pilotage, safe adopted by all states and territory it is recommended that the due
navigational maritime operational procedures and port control or diligence approach be used in setting up the PMSMS to assist in
vessel traffic services (VTS); satisfying legal liability concerns.
• provide guidance for the safe management of commercial shipping A formal port marine risk assessment complemented by due
movements; diligence will ensure that a port possesses a detailed understanding
of its marine operational risks, their causes, consequences and
• provide guidance for the safe operation of recreational boating,
the likelihood of those risks arising. This assessment of risks will
where applicable;
inform decisions regarding whether and how an activity should
• regulate the conduct of vessels; be undertaken, and how risks need to be controlled. It will help to
• regulate relevant on-water events; prioritise risk control measures and determine the most appropriate
selection of strategies that will minimise risks.
• establish and maintain aids to navigation;
Risk assessments and due diligence examinations should be
• monitor and remove obstructions and impediments to navigation; re-assessed regularly and updated. In addition to past events and
and incidents, risk assessments and due diligence should also examine
• execute and maintain works to improve navigation. potential dangers and means of avoiding or managing them. Incidents
should be systematically documented and analysed in order to
Risk Assessment and Due Diligence support future assessment processes. The PMSMS should describe
how identified risks are to be managed and controlled and by whom.
These Guidelines recommend that ports undertake a formal
assessment of risks and engage in a comprehensive due diligence Key Measures Needed for Compliance
process for all marine operations conducted within port limits. Risk
assessment refers to the overall process of risk identification, risk with these Guidelines by a PMSMS
analysis and risk treatment. Due diligence refers to another level
of safety management and may assist where judicial liability is a Setting the Compliance Framework
factor. Due diligence and formal risk assessment are related but are The following general principles should be applied:
different approaches to achieving good port marine safety outcomes. • the PMSMS should be aligned with existing powers and duties
The traditional, hazard based way to address risk is to: under local, national and international legislation;
• identify the hazard; • it should be based on a formal assessment of port marine safety
risks and due diligence process;
• characterise the risk;
• the PMSMS should be established through consultation, to manage
• define acceptable risk criteria; and
and minimise port marine safety risks;
• implement controls to achieve these criteria.
• the PMSMS should employ competent and qualified personnel
This formal risk assessment approach, even though in line with for navigational and marine operations, ensuring roles are clearly
ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management Principles and Guidelines may defined; and
not always satisfy common law judicial scrutiny, especially for high
• the PMSMS should be monitored, reviewed and externally audited
consequence low likelihood events. If a precautionary, due diligence
on a regular basis.
approach is also followed, not only will risks be reduced to As Low

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 The Australian Port Marine Safety Management Guidelines

Using These Guidelines Competence Standards

The effectiveness of these Guidelines will depend upon the degree of Roles should be clearly defined and personnel performing key roles
compliance with them. There should be a formal assessment of risks in the PMSMS should be trained to national, state or territory agreed
and a logical due diligence process undertaken to identify and control standards, where they exist, and be assessed as competent for
risks. The PMSMS should include: that role. The Guidelines are based upon the principle that ensuring
port marine safety is a team-based operation which demands the
• the means for the effective control of vessel movements in port waters;
appreciation of the work of other specialists.
• mechanisms in place to check that there are appropriate
Ports should adopt a training strategy that develops a shared
standards of qualification and training for all those involved in the
understanding of their PMSMS. The adopted training strategy should
management and execution of port marine services;
be developed with consideration given to the formal assessment
• systems to manage the identified risks and the means by which of risks and due diligence process. The training should ensure
these systems can be effectively operated; all staff involved in the safety of port marine operations have an
• standards to be measured using appropriate metrics; and understanding of the PMSMS and their role within it.

• a procedure for auditing. General Duties and Powers

Review, Awareness and Compliance with Duties and Powers Health and Safety Duties
The PMSMS should outline the port’s powers and responsibilities Every employer has a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety
based upon local, state, territory and national legislation. The of its employees while in the workplace. Under the National Model
system should include details of those powers and responsibilities, Work Health and Safety Act 2011 a duty is imposed on employers to
demonstrating how they will be enforced and how evidence that ensure that risks to health and safety are eliminated or minimised so
adequate resources have been made available for that purpose will far as reasonably practicable.
be obtained.
The work or occupational health and safety legislation currently
Continuous Assessment and Review (2015) relevant to each state and territory is as follows:
The PMSMS should be reviewed regularly, as determined by the formal
assessment of risks and, in any event, in order to avoid a failure in NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011
discharging its duties or risk exceeding its powers, reviews of the
entire safety management system should be undertaken at appropriate NT Work Health and Safety Act 2011
intervals, normally every 3 years, demonstrating how compliance is
being achieved and continuous improvement is being sought. QLD Work Health and Safety Act 2011

In addition to periodic reviews, extra reviews of each element may SA Work Health and Safety Act 2012
be required, particularly in those instances where there have been
incidents, changes to relevant legislation, or where a change in TAS Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations 2012
process or business profile warrants a review.
VIC Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
The performance of the PMSMS should be assessed by internal
reference to indicators and additionally, where possible and WA Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
appropriate, by external comparison with the performance of other
examples of good practice.
One of the key elements of assessing performance is consultation
with those likely to be involved in, or affected by, the port’s PMSMS.
To provide for appropriate levels of consultation, ports should
seriously consider the establishment of a Port Marine Safety
Committee whereby all port marine stakeholders regularly meet to
consider and review port marine safety issues within the port area.
These stakeholders could be taken from a broad cross section of port
users and port businesses or organisations.

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Port Management and Maintenance Duties

Specific Duties and Powers
A PMSMS should outline the port’s duties and obligations for the
management and maintenance of port operational activities. The A PMSMS should detail the port’s specific duties and powers. This
following elements should be amongst those considered, may include legislation that covers the following elements.
• managing and maintaining the port with regard to its use and the Accountability for Port Marine Safety Management
type and the size of vessels that use it; The PMSMS should include advice regarding the extent of the
• keeping proper hydrographic and hydrological records; powers, accountability and the obligations of the port’s regulatory and
management structure. Those responsible for safety management
• ensuring public notification or distribution of supplementary
in a port should familiarise themselves with the extent of their legal
navigational guidance as clearly and widely as is appropriate;
powers, obligations and accountability, including those set out in
• communicating appropriate warnings to port users if hydrographic general and local legislation, regulations and directions.
and hydrological information is not current;
Organisational Responsibility and Accountability
• providing adequate information about the condition of the port as
A PMSMS should also include the organisational responsibility and
determined by the port’s assessment of risks to enable users to
accountability structures for port marine safety management within
identify whether it is the right fit for their intended use;
the port.
• providing port users with adequate information about conditions
It might also detail the mechanisms necessary to:
relating to port facilities and ensuring the provision of suitable port
related aids to navigation; • discharge the duties and exercise the powers given, both directly
and by delegation;
• outlining powers in relation to wrecks;
• ensure that adequate financial, material and personnel resources
• outlining the responsibilities in relation to arrested vessels;
are available;
• providing for a place of refuge, if requested;
• seek and adopt appropriate powers for the effective enforcement of
• outlining the duty to find, monitor and maintain the appropriate procedures identified under the requirements of these Guidelines;
navigable channel or channels in the port where risk assessment
• approve the strategy, policies, plans and budgets together with
demonstrates this is required;
strategic objectives; and
• the provision of pilotage; and
• review performance against strategic and operational objectives,
• the provision of VTS or port control services. plans and budgets.

Environmental Duty The relevant (safety management) functions of committees and

A PMSMS should detail the environmental duties of the port including subcommittees or other consultative groups might also be included.
reference to any relevant legislation. Individual Responsibility and Accountability
Regulations The PMSMS should include a statement and diagram detailing
A PMSMS system should detail which entity has the responsibility the port marine safety management functions of the personnel or
for making regulations in regard to navigational safety where this departments identified in the management structure.
is relevant.

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Pilotage Providing the Service

Pilotage service providers must meet the requirements of applicable
A PMSMS should include details of the pilotage processes and legislation. Where separate, the pilotage service provider must
requirements in place and how these relate to the legislation liaise with the pilotage authority to ensure pilotage services are fully
regulating pilotage. The minimum requirement for pilotage should be integrated into the port’s PMSMS. The pilot service provider must
based upon the relevant commonwealth, state or territory legislation, ensure the service is properly managed and take all reasonable steps
however, the outcomes of the assessment of risks may warrant levels to ensure a safe service is provided.
of pilotage which exceed the compulsory pilotage standards, for
example, for specific vessel types and berths. The following general Authorisation and Training
principles apply. Providers of pilotage services should ensure that all their licensed
pilots are trained so as to be competent to conduct the vessels to
Assessing the Need which they are assigned. Every licensed pilot’s training should be
An assessment should be made by the pilotage authority to establish kept under review to take account of different types of vessels or
whether pilotage should be compulsory for vessels navigating in any conditions in the ports for which they are licensed.
part of the port or its approaches and, if so, for which vessels and in
Details of the process to suspend or revoke a licence if it appears
which circumstances and what pilotage services need to be provided
that the authorised person is guilty of incompetence or misconduct
for those vessels. This is to be determined in accordance with
affecting their capability as a pilot, or has ceased to have the required
transparent risk management principles. Pilotage should be routinely
qualifications – or failed to provide evidence that they still have them
reviewed and following any relevant incidents.
– should also be included within a port’s safety management system.

Boarding and Landing Procedures

A port’s PMSMS should be used to identify, where practicable, safe
pilot boarding and disembarkation areas. Every PMSMS should
incorporate the requirements of the relevant standards. Pilotage
service providers should take steps to ensure that pilots do not board
or land from vessels in conditions contrary to these requirements.

Allocating Pilots
Pilotage service providers should ensure that pilots are allocated in
adequate time to prepare passage plans. Pilotage authorities should
ensure that pilotage service providers implement a PMSMS, ensuring
that pilots comply with its provisions.

Pilotage Exemption
A person may apply to the pilotage organisation for a pilotage
exemption certificate if so permitted under the applicable legislation.

Pilotage Safety Management System

Pilotage service providers should be encouraged to develop a
Pilotage Safety Management System to run under and in parallel with
the PMSMS.

Photo courtesy of Port Authority of NSW.

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Use of Tugs
Port Control and Vessel Traffic Services
While any contract for the use of tugs is formally for the master of a
vessel, the use of harbour tugs is one of the principal and most direct The formal risk assessment for the PMSMS should indicate how
means applicable to control risks. port vessel traffic control should be undertaken, whether by
providing a formal VTS in accordance with the Australian Maritime
The port authority or corporation should determine the requirements
Safety Authority’s Marine Order 64, or by a more basic harbour
for the use of tugs for berthing, un-berthing and escorting. If a
control set up.
master or pilot does not believe it appropriate to follow the standard
operating procedures, the port authority or corporation should be The provision of port control should in any case as far as possible
consulted for special directions. Any potential disagreements should be based upon the standards of the International Association of
be accounted for in the development of standard towage operating Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and the
procedures. Where tugs are provided by a service provider outside of outcomes of the formal assessment of risks. The methods used to
the port, the service should be fully integrated into the PMSMS. monitor and communicate with vessels using the port should allow
appropriate information, advice and recommendations to be passed
Berthing between the port control/VTS and vessels in the port.
Powers in relation to the regulation of berthing should be exercised
Personnel who communicate with vessels may be considered to fall
having regard to the PMSMS. Ports should develop standard
within the international definition of a Vessel Traffic Services Operator
berthing plans containing minimum agreed requirements following
as developed by IALA of which Australia is a national member.
consultation with affected parties. Ports should also ensure that
Training requirements should take into account the nature of their
berthing parties meet appropriate competence standards and have
role and international standards for Vessel Traffic Service Operators.
access to appropriate training.

Photo courtesy of Pilbara Ports Authority.

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Photo courtesy of Port Authority of NSW.

Aids to Navigation Hydrography

Ports should provide aids to navigation in accordance with their Identifying the extent and frequency of which hydrographic surveying
PMSMS reflecting the regulations for the provision of aids to should be undertaken is an essential component of a formal
navigation including the erection, alteration, removal, performance assessment of navigational risks. Included in a PMSMS should be a
(in accordance with IALA standards) and inspection of navigational statement of the measures adopted for the purpose of hydrographic
aids. The provision and level of aids provided should be based upon surveying. The Harbour Master should have primary responsibility
a formal assessment of navigational risks and the characteristics of for ensuring these are undertaken, where possible, and in any case
aids and their availability should comply with internationally agreed be responsible for the promulgation of depths and safe under keel
guidelines. A planned maintenance program for navigational lights clearances. Where ports do not have a Harbour Master designated,
should also be determined in accordance with the risk assessment the person or organisation carrying out the recognised Harbour
and records kept of maintenance undertaken. The procedures by Master duties should be responsible.
which the port is notified of navigational aid failure and actions taken
to rectify these should also be included.

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Effective arrangements should be in place to make available

appropriate hydrographic information, including sounding plans,
Additional Responsibilities
charts (if produced) and supplementary information, particularly Emergency Planning
navigation notices and warnings on recently identified navigational A PMSMS should include preparations for emergencies which
hazards such as reductions in the depth of water. Close and effective have been identified as potentially occurring. Emergency plans and
liaison with the Australian Hydrographic Service with regards to data procedures should be regularly reviewed, drilled and exercised.
and information sharing should be seen as an integral aspect of the External response agencies could be included in drills and exercise,
port hydrographic function. the frequency of which would be based on the formal assessment
Ports should ensure that national standards and guidelines regarding of risks.
hydrographic information are adopted where possible. Prevention of Pollution and Incidents Threatening Pollution
The need for additional hydrographic surveys should always be The PMSMS should include details of the applicable legislation
considered if port operations are changed, for example, the use regulating the prevention of pollution of the marine environment
of berths, the reception of larger vessels, the presence of major within the port area and actions to be taken, and by whom, in the
dredging operations, and also significant increases in port traffic event of a marine pollution incident.
which may require changes in operations and/or additional area.
The frequency of hydrographic surveys should also be based on Incident Investigation
environmental considerations and experience gained on previous However effective the safety management regime is, marine incidents
surveys particularly in relation to silt or debris deposition and do occur. Such incidents may involve death, serious injury, pollution
significant weather events, such as cyclones and/or flooding. and other undesirable outcomes and they may involve breaches of
national or local laws.
Dangerous Goods Investigations of marine incidents have two essential purposes – to
Coverage of dangerous goods matters in the PMSMS should include determine the cause of the incident with a view to preventing a
reference to international, national and state or territory law. Key recurrence of that incident (or similar), and to determine if an offence
elements for consideration when managing dangerous goods include: has been committed. As a result of the investigation, there may be
the need to initiate enforcement action that may lead to prosecution
• notification requirements for dangerous cargo shipments; by the port in its own right or through an agency of another authority.
• general requirements and procedures for the safe handling of It is therefore essential that the PMSMS addresses the potential for
dangerous cargoes; incidents to occur and provides instruction and guidance on any
• storage requirements; investigations and enforcement actions that may be required as a
result.
• segregating incompatible products;
Prevailing Conditions
• time constraints for products kept on the wharf;
In addition to information about general hydrographical conditions,
• emergency response procedures; and the Harbour Master should ensure that procedures are in place to
• management systems to cover aspects such as training and make available to users timely information on prevailing and forecast
communication. meteorological conditions. Information may include wind, tide, wave
height and other factors liable to be affected by the weather and the
way the port is used.

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Anchorages Works in Ports

Where applicable, safe anchorages in the port should be publicized As works within port limits have the potential to interfere with
and the port’s approaches should be identified. The location and navigation, the PMSMS should make appropriate provision for this,
use of the anchorages should be regularly reviewed, taking account should works be undertaken. There will be a need for a special
of the size and types of vessels likely to require them and the local assessment in each case where new risks are likely to arise.
conditions. A PMSMS should make provision for dredges and other craft
associated with such works.
Wrecks
Ports should assess the risks presented by any wreck in, or near Directions and Passage Plans
the approaches to the port. Any powers a port possesses to raise, The powers which the port authority or corporation possesses (under
remove, destroy and mark a wreck which is, or is likely to become, the relevant legislation) to regulate the time and manner of vessels
a hazard to navigation should be exercised having regard to the entry to, departure from and movement within their waters serve to
applicable legislation. complement port passage planning and should be included in the
PMSMS.
Arrested Vessels
Ports should assess the risks presented by the presence of arrested Scope of Passage Planning Requirements
vessels in the port, either at a berth or in port waters. Close liaison The use of passage planning is not confined to vessels conducted by
with the Admiralty Marshals of the Federal and Supreme Courts is a pilot but should also be required for vessels conducted by the user
required to ensure that all of the Court’s directions are followed and of a pilotage exemption certificate and on vessels excluded from a
the vessel in question does not depart port until clearance is provided port authority’s or corporation’s pilotage requirements.
in accordance with orders from the Court.
The objectives of port passage guidance as required by these
Places of Refuge Guidelines are to ensure that:
In the event of a ship being in distress outside port limits, ports • affected parties know relevant details of any particular port
should have a copy of the latest version of AMSA’s National Maritime passage in advance;
Places of Refuge – Risk Assessment Guideline which will assist ports
• there is a clear, shared understanding of potential risks, margins of
together with the Commonwealth, states and territory to inform and
safety and the vessel’s characteristics; and
expedite the decision-making process in determining and allocating
an appropriate place of refuge for the vessel. The Place of Refuge • intentions and required actions are agreed for the conduct of the
Guidelines are: port passage – including the use of tugs and their availability – and
any significant deviation should it become necessary.
• voluntary
The primary responsibility for ensuring passage planning is
• flexible to take into account the wide variety of circumstances that
effective lies with the pilotage authority. General guidance should
might arise;
be established. In simple cases, for any entry to the port, whilst in
• allow for case-by-case analysis and application; and others, guidance might be elaborated for particular berths, vessel
sizes, cargoes, conditions, tidal constraints, tug allocation and waiting
• seek to enhance a cooperative and consensus approach between
areas. Particular attention should be paid to critical port movements,
all parties.
for example, the movement of deep draught vessels to particular
berths.

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Passage plans are subject to change, thus it is important not

to constrain a master’s or pilot’s need to react to unforeseen
Safety Management System
circumstances. Deviations from the agreed plan should be discussed The main objectives of a successful PMSMS are to provide
with the master and, when relevant, with the vessel traffic services assurance that risks have been identified and evaluated and that
and recorded with justification. suitable controls are in place to manage those risks and that there
Plans adopted for particular passages shall be recorded, ideally on is designated responsibility for those tasks that ensure controls are
the chart or other record plan. Passage plans must be retained in effective at all times.
case they are needed for incident investigation purposes. In developing, implementing and maintaining a PMSMS consideration
Ports should ensure up to date guidance or general plans adopted should be given to ensuring that the system incorporates safety
by the port or the local pilotage provider are published and reviewed policies and procedures to:
regularly. • ensure there is proper control of ship movements by regulating the
safe arrival, departure and movement within the port of all vessels;
Fixed Infrastructure
Fixed infrastructure which has the potential to impact upon marine • protect the general public from dangers arising from marine
and navigational safety should also be included in the formal activities within the port;
assessment of risks and the PMSMS. The condition of berths, • carry out functions with special regard to the possible
fenders and bollards should also be included, and inspection environmental impact; and
and maintenance or replacement programs considered. Critical
• prevent acts or omissions that may cause personal injury to
infrastructure within the port should be identified and precautions to
employees or others.
conserve such infrastructure stated within the PMSMS.

Photo courtesy of Southern Ports Authority (Albany).

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It should also:
• confirm the roles and responsibilities of key port personnel; An example of a Port Marine Safety Policy Statement is
shown below.
• outline present procedures for port marine safety within the port;
This Safety Management System is established in accordance
• measure performance against targets; with the recommendations of the Australian Port Marine
• refer to emergency plans that would need to be exercised; and Safety Management Guidelines.

• include an appropriate schedule of audit. The purpose of this Port Marine Safety Management System
is to improve the level of safety for everyone using the waters
The Port Marine Safety Policy of XXXXXX Port.
Within the PMSMS a port safety policy should be developed in The XXXXXX Port Marine Safety Management System
consultation with the relevant stakeholders and a statement of the (PMSMS) is developed around 6 main headings:
policy set out at the beginning of the document. The policy should
make a commitment to these Guidelines and to the conduct of Background and Scope
marine operations in such a way that safeguards the port, its users, Policy Setting
the community and the environment. The policy should make a
commitment to the following: Staff Organisation

• use of the Guidelines and its supporting documents as a means by Procedures

which the port will measure itself; Monitoring and Measuring Performance
• ensuring that the relevant assets of the port are managed safely Audit and review
and efficiently;
• ensuring the awareness and periodic review of existing powers and
duties based upon local, national and international legislation; The application of the PMSMS will be the responsibility of the port
• ensuring the provision of adequate resources for the management authority or corporation and all port stakeholders. This PMSMS is
of marine safety; and a living document that will be regularly reviewed to ensure that it
remains fit for purpose and relevant. It is designed to be used as a
• ensuring that personnel involved in marine safety management are
tool to improve safety in the port. It will be openly available for public
adequately trained for such responsibilities and for emergencies
use, consultation, comment and suggested improvements.
and contingencies.
The PMSMS will also be used to aid the recording and collation of
The safety policy should promote a positive safety culture, fostered
data which will be used over time to continuously update the analysis
by the visible and active leadership of senior management. It
of risk within the port and so improve its safety profile.
should include provisions for the motivation and empowerment
of staff to work safely rather than merely avoiding incidents.
Furthermore, it should be underpinned by effective staff involvement
Our Goal: SAFER PORTS FOR ALL
and participation and sustained by effective communication and
promotion of competence.
A statement about the port’s safety performance should be included
in an annual report.

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Photo courtesy of Southern Ports Authority (Albany).

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Level 16, 1 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone 02 9247 7581 Fax 02 9247 7585
www.portsaustralia.com.au