MOSS industry advisory group to be set up

Media Release

4 March 2013

MOSS industry advisory group to be set up

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is setting up an industry advisory group to advise and assist MNZ successfully implement the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS).

“The advisory group will provide valuable checks and balances from an industry perspective, which will help develop our operational policies and procedures. We had already signalled that we want to work more closely together so MOSS works both for industry, and for us as a regulator”, said MNZ General Manager Compliance Harry Hawthorn.

After a review of MOSS and feedback from the sector, MNZ is taking a phased implementation approach. While the MOSS rules are on track to be considered by the Minister of Transport for approval by 1 July 2013, MOSS is now scheduled for introduction on 1 July 2014, he said.

The MOSS system will enable Maritime New Zealand to work more closely with domestic commercial maritime operators to achieve safety goals. The new system will be flexible and more responsive to industry change, and will require operators to develop safe operating plans that are relevant for their operation and related to their risks. The new system will also enable Maritime NZ to work more closely with surveyors to lift overall standards and consistency.

MNZ is seeking a cross-section of industry representation, including small and large operators (passenger and/or non-passenger), surveyors and people with broad maritime skills (for instance from membership of relevant industry or government groups).

Members will be selected for their skills, experience and knowledge, not as representatives of organisations or particular sectors of the industry.

Applications for the group should be made by 5pm, Monday 18 March. Further information about MOSS, and the industry advisory group can be found by visiting maritimenz.govt.nz/MIAG

ENDS

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