Safe Transport Victoria (ST Vic) is developing a Marine Safety Code (the Code) to help duty holders and organisations with marine safety responsibilities under the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) better understand their responsibilities and support safer operations across Victoria’s ports and waterways.
ST Vic is inviting feedback on the draft Marine Safety Code before it is finalised. We want the Code to be clear, practical and easy to use in real-world operations.
The Code is primarily intended for duty holders, but ST Vic also welcomes input from organisations and stakeholders working on or around Victorian waterways. Your feedback will help make sure the Code is clear, workable and useful in practice.
Why are we developing a Victorian Marine Safety Code?
ST Vic is committed to promoting best practice and supporting safe, practical and consistent operations across Victorian ports and waterways. The Code has been developed to help duty holders understand how to manage safety risks, regardless of the size or complexity of their organisation.
Will the Victorian Marine Safety Code introduce new laws or rules?
No. The Code does not introduce any new laws or obligations. It provides practical guidance to help duty holders understand and meet existing legal obligations under the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).
Following this Code is not mandatory. You can take another approach to managing risks, as long as it provides the same level of safety and meets your legal duties. Compliance with the Code may be used as evidence of meeting duties under the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).
What are we asking you to do?
Please review the draft Marine Safety Code, either in full or just the sections that are relevant to you and provide your feedback through the survey. Your comments will help strengthen the Code before it is finalised.
The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 mins to complete.
How can you provide feedback?
- Review theIntroduction section first. It explains:
- What the Code is.
- Who the Code applies to.
- How the Code should be used in practice.
- Identify the sections that are relevant to you or your organisation.
- You can select as many or as few sections as you like. You will be asked to provide section-specific feedback based on the sections you select.
- Read and review the sections you selected
- You can return to the Code at any time while completing the survey.
- Complete the survey and provide your feedback.
You do not have to review the entire Code – just the sections relevant to your role. Even brief feedback is valuable.
What happens after consultation closes
Safe Transport Victoria will review all feedback received and make changes to the Code where necessary.
The updated Code will then be provided to the Minister for Ports and Freight, for approval before it is published.
Consultation period
Consultation closes at 11:59pm, Thursday, 21 May 2026.
We encourage you to provide feedback before the closing date.