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Safe Operational Plans for fishing vessels

Registered fishing vessels that are six metres or less in length that operate in enclosed waters, or not more than two miles from the New Zealand coast, are required to have a Safe Operating Plan (SOP) under Maritime Rule Part 40D.

A Safe Operational Plan (SOP) provides a practical set of safety requirements to ensure that certain specialised operations or craft have appropriate safety systems.

To get a Safe Operational Plan, contact your nearest commercial fishing Authorised Person/Safety Auditor. They will inspect, audit and approve your operation of behalf of the Director of Maritime New Zealand.

Each operation must undergo an annual audit for their Safe Operational Plan Certificate of Compliance to remain valid.

Note that a vessel required to operate under a safe operational plan cannot then be under a safe ship management (SSM) system.

List of Authorised Persons/Safety Auditors [PDF: 90Kb, 4 pages]

Maritime Rule Part 40D

Learn more about Safe Operational Plans

Contact for further information

If you require any further information about safe operational plans, please contact Maritime New Zealand’s Nautical Adviser, SMS.

Contact Maritime New Zealand