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Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/142553
nzmta news Boots and all – NZMTA looks in the mirror BY MARGARET WIND I I am comfortable with my convictions and like many operators, believe that if any of us make a mistake, we have to live with the consequences. In this instance, if the director makes a mistake, the safety of those at sea is compromised. The time for debate on MOSS however, is long over. As MNZ have advised, it is now within the legislative process and most likely will be in place by July 2014. I'm sure that MNZ will celebrate its implementation. The impact of MOSS will take about five years to be felt. By that time the traditional SSM companies will have gone, I suspect those with significant maritime experience will have left due to the problems implementing a safety system without defined survey intervals in a deregulated environment. There will no doubt be a number of service suppliers purporting that they are surveyors as we have yet to define what the previous director meant by the public statement, "anyone can be a surveyor". I fear that under this regime, there may be a significant increase in accidents, serious injuries and litigation. I apologise if I am pouring cold water on the fanfare of MOSS. I also accept that MNZ must market the new system, and will do its best to make it work. SSM needs re-work, but I believe MOSS fails to address the underlying problems affecting SSM. In other words, we appear to be repackaging the same beast without solving the problem. I'm prepared to stand corrected, perhaps it will be an effective tool to improve safety. However, from what I have read of the system, I have serious doubts. We shall see in a few years time. MTA CONFERENCE 11-13 SEPTEMBER 2013 The venue has now been confirmed and the conference will be held in the beautiful town of Kaikoura. Senior Maritime New Zealand staff have already confirmed their attendance and will update members on the MOSS and SeaCert projects. A representative from Inland Revenue will also be presenting on the new asset tax regulations. The conference includes the traditional industry dinner with guest speaker, and to complete proceedings, Whale Watch NZ will treat delegates to an incredible whale watching experience. Registration details can be found on the MTA website or complete the form included in this edition of the magazine. Everyone is welcome. Looking for more information? Email us: info@marinetransport.co.nz VIP.S84 n writing this issue's article, I reflected on what members really want to hear from their industry advocates. I was drawn to the conclusion that there is only one thing our industry is desperate for information about, and that is the Maritime Operator Safety System and SeaCert. Once again, I have no information. So, do I continue to wait patiently as we have all done for nearly three years now, or do I jump in boots and all and say what everybody is thinking? Can I look squarely in the mirror and say: "Do I believe that MOSS is on the right track and has the best interests of our industry at heart?" Perhaps some of those involved in the development of this rule believe that they do. It is difficult to understand how one can achieve a consistent approach with the number of staff changes at the helm of this vital project. The last formal advice to industry announced that MOSS would be in place by July 1, 2013 with an implementation date of July 1, 2014. Really? I understand the rules process takes time and we are all aware of the legislative rule-making schedule. I'm also aware that the last submission round closed in June 2012, following the botched submission round of 2010. So come on guys, I ask yet again, is Maritime New Zealand able to deliver a package that offers the benefits promised to improve overall safety and reduce maritime incidents? Are they able to deliver this package for a reasonable and sustainable cost to operators, and finally, apart from some fancy new manuals and a change of guard in the auditing process, how is this to be achieved? Several of us have expressed reservations as to the design philosophy in MOSS and I remain uncomfortable with what is in effect a deregulation of the safety system. MNZ has talked a lot about the regulatory framework, the need for effective oversight, and managing the entry, maintenance and exit of operators from the safety system, and I understand that MOSS is MNZ's solution to problems in these areas. I'm sure from a purist view, this is correct, and I have no doubt that many able and highly intelligent people within MNZ have debated the system long and hard. However, from my own experience, the thinking behind MOSS scares me and the Thompson Clark review clearly warned about the concept of regulatory capture – MOSS is the model they specifically advised against. www.skipper.co.nz July/August 2013 Professional Skipper 49