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MOSS audits

Find out what is involved in the MOSS audit process and how to keep your operation compliant. 

What is a Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) audit?

A MOSS audit checks how your operation is performing against your Maritime Transport Operator Plan (MTOP) and applicable maritime rules.

MOSS audits look at your whole operation.

They check you are operating safely, following your MTOP and continuing to do so over time.

Audit timings

When will your audit happen

When your Maritime Transport Operator Certificate (MTOC) was first issued, Maritime NZ completed a risk profile for your operation. The timing of your first audit is based on that risk profile score. It can be between 1 and 24 months from the date your MTOC was issued.

Future audits will be based on your updated risk score and could be between 2 and 48 months after your first audit.

Maritime NZ will contact you up to 2 months before your audit is due to arrange a time to meet.

 

How long does an audit takes

The time needed for an audit depends on:

  • the complexity of your operation
  • the number of vessels in your operation
  • how well you have implemented your safety system.

Maritime NZ’s time includes preparation, the visit to your operation, and writing the audit report after the visit.

 

Updates to your risk profile

Part of the audit includes reviewing your risk profile. This looks at the safety system across your whole operation, including:

  • safety culture
  • compliance history
  • operating practice
  • experience and capability
  • organisational factors.

 

Your updated risk profile score will help decide when your next audit will be. This will be between 2 and 48 months after the audit.

The audit process

What the audit covers

During the audit, Maritime NZ will check:

  • vessel details and requirements, including maintenance, survey requirements, and compliance with relevant maritime rules
  • people who have control and responsibility for the operation
  • crew training and manning levels
  • changes to the MTOP, including activities, ports or harbours, and vessels
  • whether the MTOP is kept up to date and changes are recorded
  • how you manage safety risks and hazards
  • harm prevention measures
  • measures to protect the environment.

 

What happens during the audit visit

A Maritime Officer will visit your operation and will:

  • review your MTOP records, and relevant vessel documentation
  • observe an emergency procedure
  • talk to the people named in the MTOP to check they know and understand their responsibilities.
MOSS audit overview for operators
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Preparing for your audit

What you need to do

Before your audit, make sure that:

  • you, as the operator, are available to show your operation to the Maritime Officer
  • people named in the operator plan as having responsibilities are available to talk to the Maritime Officer
  • if you have added a vessel to your operation since your MTOC was issued, the vessel’s manual and operating procedures are readily available for the Maritime Officer.

 

Tips for your audit

To help your audit go smoothly:

  • make sure you have the latest version of your MTOP available
  • be ready to answer questions about your MTOP and your operation in general
  • make sure your records are up to date and easy to access
  • be prepared to demonstrate an emergency procedure
  • make sure your crew understand what the audit is about and that they may be asked questions.