Maritime NZ will receive MOSS applications
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) announced the official introduction of SeaCert – the new domestic certification framework for New Zealand seafarers.
SeaCert sets out where seafarers can operate in local and international waters, and replaces the old Qualifications and Operational Limits (QOL) system.
“SeaCert provides a new, simpler and competency-based domestic certificate framework as well as increased recognition of New Zealand certificates overseas, making it easier for New Zealand seafarers to work in other jurisdictions,” said General Manager Maritime Standards Sharyn Forsyth.
“We’ve worked extensively with a wide range of industry bodies, government agencies and training providers during the development of SeaCert, and together we’ve designed a robust, practical system with seafarers in mind.”
MNZ is also putting together over 50 pieces of guidance covering each and every certificate and endorsement, which is being progressively loaded to the MNZ website, so no matter what qualification a seafarer holds, there is information designed specifically for it.”
Seafarers will be able to use their current certificate until it expires, or, if their certificate has no expiry date, up to and including 31 March 2019, at which point they must transition to a new certificate.There are exceptions for those holding certificates that transition to Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates. Seafarers who wish to transition from a non-STCW certificate to STCW, and holders of NZ Offshore Watchkeeper and NZ Offshore Master certificates should do so by 31 December 2016 to take advantage of new STCW certificates.
Seafarers should visitmaritimenz.govt.nz/seafarers to see how their certificates will transition or be confirmed under SeaCert, read guidance for their certificates, and see where their operational limits will be set.
Application to enter MOSS
Meanwhile, today also marks the day domestic commercial operators can apply to MNZ to come into the new Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) framework.
MOSS comes into force from 1 July 2014, and replaces the old Safe Ship Management (SSM) system, where a third party was responsible for overseeing a ship’s safety system on behalf of its operator.
MOSS makes it clear that an entire maritime operation, rather than just a vessel, needs to be examined to ensure all safety risks are identified and managed. It places the onus on the operator to be responsible for developing a safety system for their entire operation, with regulatory oversight provided by MNZ.
The principles guiding MOSS are:
- improving safety by putting a greater focus on vessel owners and operators operating safely
- creating clearer lines of responsibility for the day-to-day safe operation of vessels
- providing effective and efficient regulatory oversight by MNZ
- making it easier for operators, surveyors and MNZ staff to support safe vessels and safe operating practices.
MNZ held a series of interactive workshops for operators over the first quarter of 2014, with more planned at the beginning of 2015 for those operators who are required to enter MOSS then.About 60 operators will enter MOSS each month.
MNZ recommends submitting your complete application to enter MOSS at least three months before the expiry date on your vessel’s SSM certificate. Operators with more than one vessel should apply three months before the expiry date on their first vessel’s SSM certificate.
For more information about MOSS, including a full run down of operator responsibilities, key dates, or the MOSS fees, visitmaritimenz.govt.nz/moss
Source: Maritime New Zealand