The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers is for seafarers who work on New Zealand registered ships that adhere to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

The International Convention for SOLAS [International Maritime Organization]

The Code reflects the requirements of the following regulations:

Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
Maritime Transport Act 1994
Maritime Rules
Marine Protection Rules.

The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
Maritime Transport Act 1994 [New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office]
Maritime rules and marine protection rules

Although the Code is intended primarily for seafarers, the practices recommended apply to both employers and employees alike. The Code is effective only when all understand it and co-operate with its implementation.

The Code is divided into four sections:

Section 1 deals with safety management and the statutory duties underpinning the advice in the remainder of the Code
Section 2 sets out the safety procedures that should be brought to the attention of new recruits
Section 3 is concerned with various working practices common to all ships
Section 4 covers safety for specialist ship operations.

Code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers [PDF: 8.6Mb , 199 pages]

Maritime New Zealand acknowledges the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who made their Code of Practice available, and which this document is based upon.

Ring bound copies of the Code are available (in limited supply) or as a handy CD; request a copy of either from Maritime New Zealand. Please include your address details.

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