Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has proposed changes to what is currently known as the safe ship management (SSM) system. The proposal involved replacing the current Maritime Rules Part 46 (Maintenance and Surveys) and the second part of Maritime Rules Part 21 (Safe Ship Management Systems) with new rules: Maritime Rules Part 19 (Maritime Transport Operator: Certification) and Maritime Rules Part 44 (Surveys, Certification, and Maintenance for ships used within Maritime Transport Operations).

Refer to Maritime Rules

The proposed Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) will affect operators, SSM companies, surveyors and MNZ.

Where are we in the process?

The proposal for the rule was issued for consultation April 2010 and submissions closed July 2010. The submissions were assessed, collated, and considered by the MOSS submissions panel and the Authority, and the rules were revised.

A further consultation process on these revised rules is now under way, and will finish on 31 May 2012. Submissions to this consultation will be considered by the MOSS submissions panel. After considering the panel’s report, the Authority will make recommendations to the Minister of Transport. The draft rules must then be approved by the Minister before they can come into effect.

What's happened to my 2010 submission?

MNZ received 114 written and oral submissions during the formal consultation period. All submissions have been analysed to identify themes and issues, along with detailed consideration of feedback on specific provisions in the draft rules.

Overall, the submissions show considerable support for the direction the new system is taking, while identifying some key issues that will need further development.

Maritime New Zealand’s response to 2010 MOSS submissions [PDF: 463Kb, 110 pages]

All submitters put considerable time and thought into their submissions. The submissions panel has appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the suggested changes put forward by the maritime community. The result will be a high-quality system that will deliver an improved safety management system for us all.

What's happening next?

While the rules process continues, the MOSS project team is working on ensuring that MNZ staff and industry will be ready to implement MOSS, whatever its final form. This is likely to include:

changing IT systems
developing internal processes
developing sector-specific templates, information and advisory material for the maritime community, working in partnership with representatives from the various sectors involved.

MNZ staff will also be trained to help participants in MOSS – owners, operators, skippers and surveyors – understand and fulfil their responsibilities.

What if I have more questions on the MOSS proposals?

If you have any questions about MOSS, visit the MOSS pages: www.maritimenz.govt.nz/moss or email your questions to: moss@maritimenz.govt.nz and answers will be added to this FAQ page.