• Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
• Section 2 - Definitions 
• Section 3 - General Principles 
• Section 4 - Roles and Responsibilities
• Section 5 - Records of Documentation  
• Section 6 - Revision and approval history 
• Section 7 - References 
• Section 8 - Related Documents 

Section 1 - Purpose and Scope

(1) The purpose of this procedure is to ensure the management of risks associated with vessel and maritime safety at Southern Cross University (SCU) are appropriately managed and controlled. 

(2) The purpose of this procedure is to ensure Southern Cross University’s management, employees, contractors, students, visitors and others are aware of the risks associated with vessel and maritime safety in the workplace, management strategies and to provide advice on appropriate controls. 

(3) All employees, students and others including both independent contractors and contractors under SCU control are to be made aware of and follow this procedure. 

(4) This Procedure applies to all SCU Work Units and sites. The procedure aligns with WHS legislation in the relevant jurisdictions SCU operates in. 

Section 2 - Definitions 

Section 3 - General Principles 

(5) SCU minimises risks arising from vessel and maritime work by: 

1. Providing access to this procedure and inducting employees into the safety management system. 
2. Ensuring vessel inspection and registration per AMSA requirements. 
3. Monitoring safety logs, medical clearances, licenses, competencies, and skills. 
4. Providing procedures in the form of the “SCU Boating Procedures” (SCUBP) for the safe operation of vessels used by staff and students 

(6) All boating and vessel operations must comply with the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012, National Standards for Commercial Vessels, and local port and harbour regulations. Operations in international waters must also adhere to relevant local laws and relevant SCU procedures. 

Limitations 

(7) This procedure does not cover stevedoring, diving (refer to HRP18: Diving and Underwater work), or the risks associated with cloud seeding. 

Boat Registration 

(8) All boats used for SCU boating operations must be registered with AMSA as Domestic Commercial Vessels and must display their AMSA Unique Vessel identifier (UVI). 

Safety Management System see SCUBP - 9. Safety Management System 

(9) Each boat must have a documented and current safety management system (SMS), including: 

1. Summary of features 
2. Crew qualifications, licenses, and permitted number 
3. Boat details: ID, hull type, class, length, propulsion system, engine power 
4. Hazard identification and risk control measures 
5. User induction and training requirements 
6. Safe work procedures 
7. Emergency plans and equipment 
8. Maintenance schedule 
9. Inspection records 
10. Boating pre-departure and operational checklists 
11. Logbook 

(10) The SMS must be approved by the Designated Person within the Faculty of Science and Engineering and audited annually. All skippers and crew must be familiar with the SMS. 

Consultation  

(11) SCU ensures consultation with commercial operators, volunteer marine rescue organisations, employees, and managers during all phases of maritime operations, particularly in developing safe work instructions (SWI) and safe operating procedures (SOP). 

Information, Instruction and training 

(12) SCU must ensure the provision of suitable training, instruction, or supervision to protect employees from risks. Training will cover emergency procedures, onboard procedures, dive plans, manual handling, and other relevant topics such as swimming competency.  

(13) Training should be regularly refreshed and updated to align with any new regulations. 

Vessel inspection and planning see SCUBP - 24. Maintenance of Vessels and Equipment  

(14) The Vessel Pre-Departure Checklist should be used to evaluate the condition of the vessel. 

(15) Crew and divers are trained in how to carry out Pre-Operation Checks during the inductions. The vessel operator must evaluate the vessel against the checklist each day; and provide a record of completion in the vessel logbook. 

(16) This planning stage should consider: 

1. pre-work inspections including vessel maintenance checks 
2. vessel type 
3. the length of time required to do the work 
4. allocation of resources (e.g. people, equipment, PPE and skills) 
5. weather conditions, time of day, tide levels and surge impact. 

(17) Before commencing operations, a visual inspection must be performed before unloading the vessel into the water. Some points to consider include: 

1. working environment including access and egress onto the vessel 
2. condition of the vessel and procedure for loading and unloading into the water 
3. equipment required for use on the vessel is loaded into the vessel before entering the water 

Traffic management 

(18) A traffic management plan is necessary when vessel loading/unloading occurs on roadways, designed in consultation with competent traffic controllers and complying with relevant instructions, local government regulations, and procedures. 

Storage of Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods 

(19) Dangerous Goods and hazardous substances must be stored per WHS Regulations, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and HRP11: Hazardous Chemical Management and comply with Marine Order 41 – Carriage of Dangerous Goods. A storage compartment with proper ventilation and bunding is required. A spill kit must be available on board. Chemical storage will be subject to regular checks to ensure ongoing compliance.  

Emergency plan see SCUBP - 27. Emergency Procedures 

(20) Emergency and Contingency Plans are required before work commences and must be updated for new work phases. Regular drills should be implemented, and the emergency plan reviewed and updated post-incident.  

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control Measures 

(21) Hazard identification, risk assessment, and identification of control measures must be done and documented in consultation with those involved in the boating or vessel operations, before commencement. Completed risk assessments, including proposed control measures, must be authorised by the manager of the person conducting the risk assessment. This authorisation confirms that all reasonably foreseeable hazards associated with the proposed operations have been identified and risks will be eliminated or minimised through the planned control measures. 

Safe Work Procedures 

(22) Following a risk assessment of the proposed boating or vessel operations, safe work procedures must be developed and implemented in consultation with those involved. These procedures must be forwarded to the Boating Safety Officer, Field Work Leader and Head of Work Unit for review and approval. 

Boating Safety Plan see SCUBP - 12. Boating Safety Plan 

(23) For each boating operation, a Boating Safety Plan must be developed and submitted to the Maritime Safety Boating Officer for approval as part of the field trip approval process.  

(24) The document should include: 

1. Boat name, length, registration, and survey information Skipper/coxswain name, contact number, training, and experience 
2. Description of boating work and training/experience of participants 
3. Dates, accurate location (including GPS coordinates), and number of proposed days on the water (as part of voyage plan) 
4. Number of employees on-board (minimum of two people must always be on board and subject to vessel crewing requirements) (as part of voyage plan) 
5. Details of daily scheduled calling to the volunteer rescue organisation (as part of voyage plan) 
6. Emergency contacts and protocol needed for search and rescue. (as part of voyage plan) 

Field Trip Approvals see SCUBP - 13. Field Work Approvals 

(25) Before the start of any SCU field trip involving boating or vessel operations, the field trip leader must obtain approval from the SCU Maritime Safety Boating Officer or nominee as part of the field trip approval process. The field trip leader must submit relevant documentation such as a Boating Safety Plan and Risk Assessment to the SCU Maritime Safety Boating Officer for review at least 3 working days (72 hours) prior to the commencement of the trip. 

(26) Once the SCU Maritime Safety Boating Officer has approved the boating or vessel operations, the field trip leader must make available the Boating Safety Plan, Risk Assessment, and relevant Safe Work Procedures to all participants so they have an understanding of the likely risks and hazards involved, can perform the task safely, and are equipped with adequate knowledge to react in the event of an emergency. Any changes to the proposed boating or vessel operation must be approved by the Maritime Safety Dive Officer before activities take place. 

Skipper/ Coxswain Authority 

(27) The authority of the skipper/coxswain on the vessel overrules normal management and supervisory structures. 

Skipper/ Coxswain Requirements see SCUBP - 14. Master and Skipper Requirements 

Qualifications for Skippering University Boats 

(28) All SCU skippers must hold a current First Aid certificate. The skipper must hold a Coxswain Grade 3 (or higher). An exemption to skipper an SCU boat with a recreational boat licence under AMSA exemption 15 can be applied to trainee skippers working towards obtaining their Coxswain Certificate of Competency. Trainee skippers under supervision are permitted to operate small boats less than 7.5m in inshore 2D/2E smooth and partially smooth waters only.  

(29) This exemption may be boat, time, and area limited at the discretion of the Maritime Safety Boating and Dive Officer. Other vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and other human-powered vessels are exempt from the requirements of 13.1(b). 

Smooth and Partially Smooth Waters 

(30) Smooth and partially smooth waters in QLD are defined and available at https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Safety/Smooth-and-partially-smooth-water-limits and in NSW, the locations of Smooth and Partially Smooth Waters are listed in the NSW Marine Safety Regulation 2016, Schedule 2 “Partially Smooth Waters” and Schedule 3 “Smooth Waters” are available at https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2016-0308#sch.3. 

SCU Coxswain Register 

(31) SCU skippers must register their details with the SCU Maritime Safety Boating Officer, who will enter the information on the Vessel Crew Training Register. Details of qualification and level of experience must be recorded on the Coxswain Registration form. Scanned copies of boating qualifications (e.g., Coxswain) and current First Aid certificate must be forwarded to the SCU Maritime Safety Officer for inclusion on the Coxswain Register. 

Coxswain Statement of Understanding see SCUBP – 14.3. Master and Skipper Boat Trip Responsibilities 

(32) SCU skippers must have read and understood these procedures and signed the statement of understanding on the Coxswain Registration form. Skippers must have also read and understood the boat’s: 

1. Safety Management System 
2. Risk Assessment(s) 
3. Safe Work Procedure(s): The skipper must abide by the operational and crewing limits listed on the boat's Certificate of Operation and Certificate of Survey. 

Coxswain Induction and Training 

(33) University skippers must be inducted and trained on the use of boats and relevant equipment by the Maritime Safety Boating Officer (or experienced Coxswain). The Maritime Safety Boating Officer (or experienced Coxswain) must maintain a record of any training, inductions, skills, or competencies demonstrated on the Coxswain safety induction & training form and boat logbook. The Maritime Safety Boating Officer may also undertake audits on existing University skippers to validate skills, knowledge, and competency to ensure safety. 

SCU Maritime Safety Boating Officer Qualifications (MSBO) 

(34) The MSBO must hold the following qualifications: 

1. Coxswain Grade 3  
2. Inhouse training in Marine Radio Procedures  
3. Senior First Aid and Resuscitation Certificate   

Boating Safety Equipment see SCUBP – 18. Boating Safety Equipment 

(35) All boats must carry safety equipment as specified by AMSA and state maritime legislation, and be registered with AMSA. 

(36) All boats must have a 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to AS/NZS 4280.1, life jackets, marine VHF radios, flares, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and other safety equipment specified by AMSA. All equipment must be checked to ensure it is in good working condition, within the expiry date specified, and operated within the manufacturer’s recommendations. A Marine F scale first aid kit and a fire extinguisher must be provided on board. Any additional safety equipment identified in the risk assessment must also be carried out. The skipper must check that all safety equipment is on board before departure and that all employees understand the correct use of such equipment. A checklist of safety equipment should be available as part of the boat’s SMS.  

(37) All safety equipment must be stored in a boat in such a manner that it is readily accessible in an emergency. Any decision made by the skipper regarding safe work and the wearing of safety equipment is final and must be followed by all persons on the boat. Any worker or student who uses boats and ancillary equipment must report any damage or malfunctions to their manager and the SCU Maritime Safety Boating Officer as soon as practicable on return from the boating operations. The SCU Maritime Safety Boating Officer (or experienced Coxswain) must undertake annual boat/trailer safety inspections on SCU boats to ensure that boats are well maintained, safety equipment is in date, and ancillary equipment is functioning correctly. 

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) see SCUBP - 19. Personal Flotation Devices (PPFDs) 

(38) For all boating and vessel operations, personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be always worn onboard and adhere to AS4758. PFDs must be serviced periodically to manufacturers’ specifications. All vessel passengers must conduct a pre-task visual inspection of the PFD. 

(39) PFD’s must be stored and maintained according to OEM and AS4758. 

Boating Safety Briefing see SCUBP - 20. Crew Safety Briefing and Take 5 Checklist 

(40) The skipper must undertake a full boating safety briefing on board for all new passengers and crew. The boating safety briefing should include relevant details of the boat’s Safety Management System plus the location and function of emergency safety equipment. This must be recorded in the boat’s logbook and signed off by the boat’s Skipper/Coxswain. 

Scheduled Calling see SCUBP - 21. Scheduled calling 

(41) The skipper must implement a scheduled calling system with the nearest Volunteer Marine Rescue organisation and/or the SCU-nominated contact.  

Voyage Planning 

(42) Vessels must have detailed plans for each voyage. Details such as the boat’s name, registration, number of persons onboard, accurate location of destination, (including GPS), trip plan, launching point, communications equipment, registration of towing vehicle and trailer, and scheduled calling times must be communicated with the nearest Volunteer Marine Rescue organisation and/or SCU-nominated contact. 

SCU Nominated On-shore Contact Person (SNOCP) 

(43) The SNOCP must be trained on how to respond when vessels become overdue or missing. The SNOCP must be a member of the research team of have sufficient understanding of the operations of the vessel to ensure an informed response. The SNOCP is to be available for the duration of the scheduled voyages and be supplied with detailed voyage plans.  

Overdue and Missing Vessel Procedure 

(44) A procedure must be prepared for initiating a search and rescue if the vessel is overdue or missing. The procedure would be initiated if the SNOCP does not hear from the vessel at the scheduled calling time or cannot make contact with it. The procedure will describe how to escalate the search and rescue to the appropriate emergency services.  

Weather and Sea Conditions see SCUBP - 22. Weather and Sea Conditions 

(45) Boats and other vessels must not operate in rough or hazardous weather conditions. Skippers must check weather forecasts (i.e., wind, wave, swell, current, and tidal predictions) before undertaking the activity to ensure safe operating conditions. 

Towing Trailer Boats see SCUBP – 25. Towing Trailer Boats 

(46) Only suitably experienced coxswains are permitted to tow larger trailer boats on the road. Trainee skippers/coxswains must undertake a boat towing training induction as part of the Coxswain Safety Induction & Training delivered by the SCU Maritime Safety Boating Officer (or experienced Coxswain). Trainee skippers must always be supervised whilst towing a trailer boat until they are deemed competent. Additional towing training with an external registered training organisation is recommended for trainee skippers with limited towing experience. Before departure, the towing capacity of the vehicle used must be checked to ensure it is safe and legally compliant to tow the total weight of the boat, trailer, and equipment. The braking mechanism and trailer must be checked for safe function.  

Fatigue Management see SCUBP – 26 Fatigue Management 

(47) Shifts over 12 hours in 24 hours, whilst skippering boats or operating motor vehicles, are not permitted. Whilst towing, 15-minute break every 2 hours is recommended to reduce driver fatigue. Refer to the HRP23: Fatigue Risk Management Procedure for further guidance. 

Emergency Procedures see SCUBP - 27. Emergency Procedures 

(48) The skipper/coxswain of a boat must be prepared for emergencies and have: 

1. Read and understood the boat’s SMS and boating safety plan for knowledge of relevant emergency procedures 
2. Briefed crew and passengers on relevant emergency procedures 
3. Knowledge of the location of all safety gear, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits 

Training in First Aid 

Knowledge of local emergency contacts 

(49) In the event of an accident or incident, the skipper must: 

1. Ensure the safety of personnel onboard 
2. Ensure the safety of the boat 
3. Provide first aid assistance when required 
4. If a serious medical emergency, apply DRSABCD and call for an ambulance to assist at the closest port of landing. 

(50) Refer to WHSMP05: First Aid, Emergency preparedness and Response Procedure for additional information. 

Reporting of Accidents and Incidents see SCUBP – 28. Incidents, Hazards and Near Misses 

(51) Employees and students must immediately report any boating incidents, accidents, or near misses to the field trip leader, and report the incident, accident, or near miss on RiskWare as soon as reasonably practicable or at least within 24 hours of the accident, incident, or near miss occurring. 

(52) Incidents/accidents that result in any of the below are considered reportable: 

1. The death or serious injury, or possible death or injury, of a person on board 
2. The loss of a boat 
3. A collision with another boat or an object 
4. The grounding, sinking, flooding, or capsizing of a boat 
5. A fire onboard 
6. A loss of stability that affects the safety of a boat 
7. A close-quarters situation 
8. The loss, or possible loss, of a person from a boat (even if picked up) (man-overboard – MOB). 

(53) These incidents must be reported and notified immediately as per WHSMP17: Incident Management, Reporting and Investigation Procedure. The SCU Maritime Safety Boating Officer or delegate is responsible for notifying AMSA and the relevant Regulator as legally required.  

Section 4 - Roles and Responsibilities

University Council  

(54) The SCU Council has the following WHS responsibilities: 

1. Demonstrate commitment to WHS and set examples for employees. 
2. Ensure regulatory compliance with standards and procedures. 
3. Maintain WHS management systems meeting policy, legal, and regulatory requirements. 
4. Review WHS risks periodically and consider implications in decisions. 
5. Oversight of the development and alignment WHS strategy with university objectives. 
6. Agree on and monitor WHS objectives, targets, and performance. 
7. Provide adequate WHS training and resources for roles. 
8. Review and learn from WHS incidents and trends and ensure corrective actions. 
9. Ensure  crisis management processes for incidents are implemented. 
10. Cooperate with regulators and WHS Manager on legislative requirements. 
11. Monitor and report WHS performance, maintain relevant records, and track progress against objectives. 

Operational Responsibilities 

(55) The SCU Vice Chancellor has the following WHS responsibilities: 

1. Foster a positive WHS culture with continuous improvement and leading by example. 
2. Appoint competent resources for WHS roles based on risk profile, including an advisor for WHS duties. 
3. Allocate resources for WHS systems and training for direct reports. 
4. Manage key stakeholder and regulatory relationships. 
5. Comply with WHS legislative requirements and collaborate with authorities. 
6. Ensure compliance with WHS policy and legal requirements is monitored through plans and reviews. 
7. Take actions to achieve WHS objectives and address deficiencies. 
8. Implement disciplinary measures for WHS breaches as needed. 

Vice Presidents/Pro/Deputy Vice-Chancellor 

(56) Vice Presidents/Pro/Deputy Vice Chancellors have the following WHS responsibilities: 

1. Be aware of, monitor and control critical hazards and controls applicable to their work unit 
2. Ensure compliance with WHS policies, procedures by persons involved in their work unit’s undertaking. 
3. Incorporate WHS risks in the Enterprise risk register and apply controls. 
4. Provide oversight of Work Unit WHS performance, reporting, and sharing lessons from incidents. 
5. Appoint and allocate appropriate WHS resources for risk management and training. 
6. Foster a positive WHS culture, promote continuous improvement, and lead by example. 
7. Cooperate with Regulators/Authorities and WHS to meet legislative requirements. 
8. Review safety performance, discuss with management, and take corrective actions as needed, including disciplinary measures for WHS breaches. 

Head of Work Unit 

(57) The Head of the Work Unit has the following WHS responsibilities: 

1. Ensure compliance with WHS policies, procedures, and controls. 
2. Ensure WHS compliance, communication, and risk management. 
3. Provide oversight for Work Unit WHS performance. 
4. Promote a positive WHS culture and competency. 
5. Manage WHS incidents and reporting. 
6. Obtain and follow WHS professional advice. 
7. Coordinate with regulators and WHS teams. 
8. Conduct audit and assurance activities and ensure action on findings. 
9. Engage with stakeholders on WHS matters. 
10. Report accidents and incidents promptly. 
11. Enforce disciplinary measures for WHS breaches. 

Managers and Supervisors 

(58) Managers and Supervisors have the following WHS responsibilities: 

1. Ensure compliance with WHS policies, procedures, and controls. 
2. Ensure access to competent WHS advice and training. 
3. Provide resources and approval for safe activities. 
4. Cooperate with regulators, WHS Manager, and Partners. 
5. Monitor and act on regulatory visits and incidents. 
6. Conduct assurance activities. 
7. Engage stakeholders on safety matters as needed. 
8. Report and record all WHS incidents promptly. 
9. Review Work Unit WHS performance regularly. 
10. Enforce disciplinary measures for WHS breaches. 

Employees 

(59) All employees have the following WHS responsibilities: 

1. Complete required WHS training and stay updated. 
2. Prioritise health and safety for oneself and others. 
3. Ensure compliance with WHS policies, procedures, and control  
4. Report WHS concerns promptly to relevant personnel. 
5. Cooperate with SCU on WHS matters. 
6. Understand and adhere to WHS procedures and risk assessments. 
7. Notify relevant management of unsafe conditions or practices. 
8. Work within established safety controls and systems. 
9. Support WHS objectives and targets. 
10. Use equipment only with proper training. 
11. Wear issued PPE correctly. 
12. Request additional WHS training if needed. 
13. Follow instructions from authorities and supervisors. 
14. Report accidents, defects, or hazards promptly. 
15. Participate in audits and reviews as required. 
16. To cease work if there is a reasonable concern of a serious risk or an immediate or imminent hazard poses serious risk to health and safety 
17. To inform supervisor if work is ceased. 

WHS Team 

WHS Manager 

(60) The WHS Manager has the following responsibilities: 

1. Develop and lead the University's health and safety strategy. 
2. Implement and maintain WHS policies, procedures, and controls. 
3. Provide oversight and reporting on WHS performance. 
4. Develop and maintain WHS management systems. 
5. Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory WHS requirements. 
6. Assess and manage WHS risks effectively. 
7. Promote visible leadership in WHS. 
8. Communicate progress against WHS plans and objectives. 
9. Ensure adequate WHS resources and training. 
10. Provide WHS advice to management and maintain relationships with regulators. 
11. Investigate and report accidents/incidents, sharing lessons learned. 
12. Develop and monitor a WHS compliance assurance program. 
13. Support SCU in new research, sites, and acquisitions. 
14. Maintain accurate WHS data and reporting. 
15. Regularly review and address WHS incidents and performance. 

WHS Business Partners  

(61) WHS Business Partners have the following responsibilities: 

1. Assist work units with the application of procedures.  
2. Support understanding and compliance with SCU standards and regulations. 
3. Assist in WHS risk assessments and controls implementation. 
4. Actively promote WHS culture and plans. 
5. Maintain skills and stay updated on legal requirements. 
6. Advise on WHS training needs. 
7. Cooperate with regulators and WHS Manager on legal requirements. 
8. Report incidents and support investigations. 
9. Support WHS inspections, audits, and corrective actions. 
10. Ensure accurate WHS data in RiskWare and meet reporting requirements. 

Section 5 - Records of Documentation  

(62) All relevant documentation will be recorded and kept in accordance with WHS Legislation and other legislative obligations including:  

1. FSE Vessel and Trailer Register 
2. SCU Coxswain register 
3. Boat logbook  
4. Maintenance and inspection records 
5. Field trip operations database. 
6. Records are kept for any work performed on all vessels and boats including:  
7. Service/Maintenance records for vessel 
8. Safe Work Instructions 
9. Training evidence/licences 
10. Competency assessments  
11. Incident reporting  
12. Emergency plans 

Section 6 - Revision and approval history 

(63) This procedure will be reviewed as per nominated review dates or because of other events, such as: 

1. Internal and external audit outcomes. 
2. Legislative changes including Maritime Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 and National Standards for Commercial Vessels. 
3. Outcomes from management reviews. 
4. Incidents. 

Section 7 - References 

Section 8 - Related Documents