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Navigating Changes in Maritime Legislation: Marine Order 504

  • Writer: Captain Cal Callahan
    Captain Cal Callahan
  • Dec 4, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 14


Maritime Legislation Marine Order 504

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has introduced a series of updates to key maritime legislation, impacting vessel safety and operations. Among the changes are:


  • Lifejackets: Updates to standards and usage requirements.

  • Maintaining Watertight and Weathertight Integrity: New guidelines for the construction and operation of vessels.

  • Certificates of Survey (CoS): Clarifications on survey requirements for domestic commercial vessels.

  • Updated Marine Order 504: Major revisions to Safety Management System (SMS) requirements.


While some simpler changes, such as updates to lifejacket regulations, took effect on 1 October 2024, the more significant changes - like those in the updated Marine Order 504 - will come into force on 1 June 2025. These updates are already available on the AMSA website, providing vessel owners and operators ample time to prepare.


This blog focuses specifically on the changes to Maritime Legislation Marine Order 504 (Certificates of Operation – National Law) 2024, detailing the important revisions and their impact on domestic commercial vessels. Be sure to stay tuned for future posts covering the other key topics in maritime compliance.


Maritime Legislation Marine Order 504

Let’s dive into what the new Marine Order 504 means for you and your operations.

Key Changes to Safety Management System (SMS) Requirements.


The updated MO504 introduces several changes aimed at improving safety, simplifying compliance, and addressing risks more effectively:

  1. Simplified SMS for Small Vessels

    • Requirements are now more practical for smaller, less complex vessels and operations, making compliance easier for operators.

  2. Fatigue Management

    • Strengthened and clarified guidelines to ensure crew members are well-rested and able to perform their duties safely.

  3. Drug and Alcohol Risk Management

    • Enhanced measures to identify, manage, and reduce risks associated with drug and alcohol use onboard.

  4. Clear Roles and Responsibilities

    • A greater emphasis on defining responsibilities to ensure safe vessel operation and reduce ambiguity.

  5. Updated Emergency Plans

    • Assembly station requirements in emergency plans have been revised to improve preparedness and efficiency during emergencies.

  6. Risk-Aligned Procedures

    • Operational and emergency preparedness procedures must now align with assessed risks, ensuring better safety outcomes.

  7. Vessel Stability Risk Management

    • New measures to address operational risks related to vessel stability, safeguarding crew and passengers.

  8. Streamlined Certificate of Operation Renewals

    • Administrative burdens have been reduced with updated criteria for certificate renewals, saving time and effort.


In addition to these key updates, there are minor administrative and editorial changes to improve the overall usability of the marine order.


What Should You Do Now?

As a domestic commercial vessel owner, operator, master, or crew member, it’s essential to start preparing for these changes. Here’s how:

  1. Subscribe for Updates:

    • Stay informed about implementation details, updates, and guidance from AMSA or this website.

  2. Review the Updated Marine Order 504:

    • Take the time to carefully read the updated marine order and understand how it applies to your vessel and operations.

  3. Update Your SMS:

    • Begin revising your Safety Management System to ensure compliance with the new requirements by the June 2025 deadline.

  4. Train Your Crew:

    • Familiarize your crew with the changes, especially updates to emergency plans, fatigue management, and risk management procedures.


Marine Order 504: Why These Changes Matter

The updated Marine Order 504 reflects a commitment to improving safety, efficiency, and clarity for the domestic commercial vessel sector. By simplifying requirements for smaller operators, addressing key safety risks, and reducing administrative overheads, these updates aim to enhance overall compliance and operational safety.


Don’t wait until the deadline - start preparing today to ensure a smooth transition to the new requirements.


For more information, view the full Marine Order 504 (Certificates of Operation – National Law) 2024 here.


Capt. Cal

Sail your own course.


Subscribe to the newsletter on the contact page to stay informed, safe, compliant, and prepared!


Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash

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