Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) to phase in the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) from 1, July 2014.
MOSS is intended to improve safety in the commercial maritime environment through safer operations and vessels. It will be based on direct relationships between operators, surveyors, and MNZ, as the regulator.
The proposed rules for MOSS, which will replace the current Safe Ship Management (SSM) System, are due to be considered by the Transport Minister for gazetting by 1 July 2013. It is anticipated the new rules will come into force on 1 July 2014.
MNZ Director Keith Manch said:
“We recognise that we need this time after the rules come into force to engage and consult further with industry and to develop the guideline material and tools to implement MOSS. This has not been possible prior to the rules being approved.This is a major change for the sector and we want to ensure we engage fully with all participants.
It is also important that MNZ is well prepared for MOSS and that we use industry feedback to implement the new system.”
MNZ will be setting up an industry advisory group to provide this feedback. Work is underway to develop the detailed policies, procedures and IT systems to implement the proposed rules.
Our objective is to ensure MOSS works well following its introduction. This means that MNZ, operators, surveyors, and all other affected parties need to understand their roles and responsibilities, and know what to do to comply with MOSS."
SSM companies, surveyors and operators will continue to operate as they currently do until 1 July 2014. Operators will continue to be members of an SSM company and must meet their obligations under SSM, including renewing SSM Certificates when they expire and having vessels surveyed in accordance with their survey plans.