operations before they become problems. "We can help them before the compliance arm gets to them. A lot of operators don't ring until they have been slapped with deficiencies, but it would be good if they called us before the inspector visits. "I recently visited an operator, who said, 'If you can find anything wrong I'll shout you lunch.' After having a look I found three minor things wrong. He wasn't happy!
"About a week later he phoned wanting help with something else. He admitted he'd been a bit harsh, saying he'd implemented the changes and they were going well. So it's about just breaking down those barriers."
Industry liaison advisors don't charge for their time, says Thompson. "It's a cup of tea after the first hour and a chocolate biscuit after the second!"
Contact mark.thompson@maritimenz.govt.nz or phone 027 667-8642.
SUBMISSION RESPONSE NEARLY READY
Maritime New Zealand says its response to public submissions on the new marine operator safety system, or MOSS, will be available on its website before Christmas. The MOSS programme manager, John Oldroyd, says the feedback has been invaluable in implementing the programme and responding to concerns. As well as providing practical advice on how MOSS is likely to work in practice, including potential pitfalls, submitters also told the authority what it needed to do to ensure the new system is a success. The submissions supported increased operator responsibility and stronger regulatory oversight for Maritime NZ, as set out in the MOSS proposals. However, there were serious concerns about survey quality and standards.
"Our planning over the past few months has focused on responding to these concerns," says Oldyroyd. Maritime NZ will now develop national survey standards and procedures, employ a small team of senior surveyors and implement a range of measures to lift knowledge and performance.
The new system will be flexible and responsive to industry change. It will require operators to develop safe operating plans that are relevant for their operation and related to their risks and be easy for the industry to understand and administer. This means simple rules, clear guidance material and user-friendly systems and processes, says Oldroyd.
He says the team is looking forward to presenting the MOSS "picture" to the industry next year, and hearing what sort of guidance and assistance marine operators will need to make the system work for them.
Once MOSS has been finalised it will be submitted for ministerial and Cabinet approval in the first quarter of next year. See www.maritimenz.govt.nz/commercial/safety- management-systems/MOSS
DEPUTY WILL OVERSEE PROJECTS
Maritime New Zealand has appointed Lindsay Sturt as deputy director and general manager of the office of the chief executive. A core part of his new role will be to assist the transition of the new director and chief executive, Keith Manch, into the role being vacated by Catherine Taylor. Sturt will also provide programme oversight and governance for all of Maritime NZ's major projects.
Sturt has been with the authority since its inception in 1993 and has held several senior management positions, most recently as general manager strategy and communications. He represents Maritime NZ on the National Pleasure Boat Safety Forum and has extensive experience in this area.
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