Staying compliant in MOSS
Find out what to do to keep your Maritime Transport Operator Plan (MTOP) up to date, and how to adapt it when your operation changes.
To ensure ongoing compliance with the Maritime Operator safety System (MOSS), you are responsible for making sure your MTOP is current and appropriate for your operation.
You must also make sure all vessels in your operation are safe.
Some changes to your vessel or operation must be notified to Maritime NZ. Other changes will need to approved.
1. Changes to your MTOP
Changes you must notify to Maritime NZ
You must notify Maritime NZ as soon as possible if:
- a vessel enters or exits the operation
- the operation’s name or trading name changes
- the operation’s contact details (address, phone, fax, email) change.
You must complete the Application to update an operator plan form.
When a vessel exits the operation, whether permanently or for a short-term, you must also complete the Change of vessel status or ownership form. This will also mean you are not charged levies for a vessel you no longer own.
Changes needing prior approval
You must obtain approval from Maritime NZ before you make any of the following changes:
- the full name of the operator
- the person or people responsible for:
- the operation
- resourcing of the operation
- crew training and competency assessments
- operational decisions, including the control and scheduling of maintenance and internal quality assurance
- the primary harbours or ports from which the operation is conducted
- the category or categories, and the activity or activities, of operation that will be conducted under the MTOC.
To request these changes, complete the Application to update an operator plan form.
Fit and proper person
When a new person is appointed to exercise responsibilities under the MTOP, they must complete a fit and proper person form.
They must also provide a copy of their Ministry of Justice criminal record check. This must be less than 90 days old at the time they apply, even if they already hold a current maritime document or marine protection document.
2. Certificates of Survey
Survey requirements are an essential part of MOSS. Responsibility for complying with these rules rests with you as the operator.
You must ensure each vessel in the operation has:
- a valid Certificate of Survey
- any other certificates required under other Maritime Rules and Marine Protection Rules (your Recognised Surveyor can advise you about which certificates you need or you can contact Maritime NZ).
If you are unsure whether a vessel complies with survey requirements or survey dates, talk to a Recognised Surveyor first.
3. MOSS audits
A MOSS audit checks how your operation is performing against your MTOP and applicable maritime rules.
Ongoing MOSS audits look at your whole operation, checking you are operating safely.
Preparing for your MOSS audit
What you need to do
Before your MOSS audit:
- make sure you, as the operator, are available to show your operation to the Maritime Officer
- make sure people named in the MTOP as having responsibilities are available to talk to the Maritime Officer
- if you have added a vessel to your operation that was not present at the time of your MTOC assessment, ensure the vessel’s manual and operating procedures are readily accessible for Maritime Officers.
Tips for your MOSS 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.