Foreword

In 2002 the Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand commissioned an independent review of the Safe Ship Management System – a system aimed at making ship owners and operators responsible for the daily safe maintenance and operation of their vessels throughout the year.

The independent review identified a number of concerns with the Safe Ship Management System and made a number of recommendations aimed at improving the system. My audit looked at the progress the MSA has made in implementing the recommendations, and I am pleased to report that progress has been good.

Moreover, I believe that the changes made because of the review – particularly the introduction of the new Safe Ship Management Code of Practice – will improve safety systems applying to vessels by providing a consistent and mandatory basis for defining and monitoring safety in the maritime industry.

K B Brady
Controller and Auditor-General

8 December 2005