It will take place at The Pavilion from 9am-2pm.

With up to ten fatal incidents occurring per year, the ASMA will provide participants with an understanding of the benefits associated with implementing a Safety Management System (SMS). 

Participants will learn foundational skills to identify and manage risk, as well as develop and implement a simple but effective SMS. 

Owner of AAA Kiama Harbour Game and Reef Fishing Trevor Newcombe said it is imperative all commercial boat operators maintain high levels of safety. 

“Charter operators must have a safety management plan that they make up themselves and can get the approval,” he said. 

“We have a safety management plan on the boat that basically answers the question, if something happens what do you do?”

Mr Newcombe said common sense plays a key part in responding to issues. “When things happen on the boat, you don’t really have time to read the plan so you need to act with common sense.

“If there is a fire onboard, you put people at the front of the boat so the wind can blow it the other way.” 

Owner of Kiama Charter Service Rodney Garard said workshops are beneficial, but the standards need to be responsive to local operators.

“All commercial operators understand the benefits of operating safely, but sometimes there is an expectation to follow big ship management processes even as a small operator. You just cannot afford to do it. It’s good that there are workshops, but it is important that they are open to change.” 

Event details: operationalsafety@amsa.gov.au.