MOSS audits

On this page:

Introduction

Audit timings

The audit process

Preparing for your audit

Introduction

The MOSS audit looks at how your operation is performing against your Maritime Transport Operator Certificate Plan (operator plan) under your Maritime Transport Operator Certificate (MTOC).

MOSS audits look at your whole operation and check, that you are operating safely and following your operator plan, and that you continue to do so.

Audit timings

Audit date

When you were first issued an MTOC a risk profile was completed for your operation. The timing of the first audit is set by the risk profile score. It can be from 1 to 24 months from the date of issue of your MTOC. Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) will get in touch with you up to two months before your audit is due to set up a time to meet with you.

Time involved

The amount of time involved will depend on the complexity of your operation, the number of vessels involved and how well you have implemented your safety system. MNZ’s time includes preparation, a visit to the operation and writing up the report following the visit.

Updates to your risk profile

Part of the audit will involve a review of your risk profile. This looks at the safety system across the whole of your operation. It includes:

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

The risk profile score will help decide when your next audit will be. This will be 2 to 48 months after the audit.

The audit process

Key items covered in your audit

The following items are checked as part of the audit:

• vessel details and requirements including maintenance of the vessel, survey requirements and compliance with relevant maritime rules
• people who have control and responsibility over the operation
• crew training and manning levels
• changes to the operator plan including activities, ports or harbours and vessels
• the operator plan is kept up to date and changes recorded
• management of safety risks and hazards
• harm prevention
• protection of the environment

MOSS audit visit

A Maritime Officer (MO) will visit your operation. The MO will look at your operator plan, records and relevant vessel documentation.
They will also observe an emergency procedure.

The MO will talk to the people named in the operator plan to make sure they know and understand their responsibilities.