CMRS Reporting Guidelines

The scheme will operate under the Navigation (Confidential Marine Reporting Scheme) Regulations 2004 (the Regulations).

Who may report

Persons who may report include those engaged in, or connected with, marine activities to which the Regulations apply. A ships passenger or a person ashore who wishes to report a reportable safety issue (defined in the Regulations and explained briefly below) may also make confidential reports.

What may be reported reportable safety issues

Matters such as the following may be reported under CMRS, provided they relate to the safety of a ship to which the Navigation Act 1912 applies:

• A procedure or practice that would endanger the safety of the ship or a person, such as unsafe navigation;
• Defective life saving or fire fighting equipment;
• Extreme corrosion of the hull;
• Crew schedules resulting in fatigue;
• Unreported accidents and near misses.

These are examples only of the types of issues that may be reported.

Matters that can not be reported

Unlawful interference with a ship (such as taking control of a ship forcibly), industrial relations issues and a matter that a person is required to report under the mandatory reporting requirement may not be reported using CMRS.

Certain responsible persons such as masters, owners, agents and pilots have obligations to report matters under legislation listed under the definition of a mandatory reporting requirement in the Regulations. The listed legislative requirements are:

• Sections 151,190A, 268, 269, 269A or 417 of the Navigation Act 1912;
• Subsection 18(1) or 19(1) of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003;
• Provision 9.2.3 of Part 32, or provision 8.2.1 of Part 54 of the Marine Orders;
• Section 107 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993.