Fatigue Hazard Management for Domestic Commercial Vessels
Summary
AMSA has published guidance emphasizing that fatigue remains one of the most significant hazards in domestic commercial vessel (DCV) operations, affecting everyone from the master to the newest crew member. Owners of Class 1, 2 and 3 domestic commercial vessels must address fatigue risks in their SMS by identifying when and why crew may become fatigued and documenting how those risks will be controlled in a fatigue risk management plan. AMSA is hosting a free webinar on fatigue management on Wednesday 6 May 2026 from 2:30–3:15pm AEST, with fatigue management resources including a guidance PDF and checklist available on its website.
“Owners of Class 1, 2 and 3 domestic commercial vessels must address fatigue risks in their SMS by identifying when and why crew may become fatigued and documenting how those risks will be controlled in a fatigue risk management plan.”
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What changed
AMSA published guidance reminding domestic commercial vessel operators that fatigue is a significant hazard that must be treated like any other hazard in the safety management system (SMS). The guidance emphasizes that fatigue management works best when everyone is involved, and owners should include crew in planning as they are often the first to notice early signs of fatigue.\n\nOwners of Class 1, 2 and 3 domestic commercial vessels are required to address fatigue risks in their SMS by identifying when and why crew may become fatigued and documenting how those risks will be controlled in a fatigue risk management plan. The guidance outlines a five-step cycle: understand fatigue, manage through planning, implement, monitor, and review. Resources including a template fatigue risk management plan, checklist, and scenario examples are available on the AMSA website.
Webinar
- Date
- 2026-05-06 at 14:30 – 15:15
- Location
- Virtual
Archived snapshot
Apr 23, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Managing fatigue: A safety priority for domestic commercial vessels
Friday 27 March 2026
Fatigue remains one of the most significant hazards in domestic commercial vessel (DCV) operations.
It affects everyone from the master to the newest crew member and must be treated just like any other hazard in the safety management system (SMS).
When not properly managed, fatigue can lead to mistakes, accidents, and serious long-term health impacts. In the worst cases, it can have catastrophic consequences for vessels, their crew, passengers and the surrounding marine environment.
Fatigue management works best when everyone is involved.
Owners of Class 1, 2 and 3 domestic commercial vessels must address fatigue risks in their SMS by identifying when and why crew may become fatigued and documenting how those risks will be controlled in a fatigue risk management plan.
Owners should also include crew in planning, as crew are often the first to notice pressures or early signs of fatigue. Their input is essential for developing and implementing practical and effective fatigue risk controls.
How to manage fatigue
- Understand fatigue Owners, masters and crew need to be well trained in identifying and managing the risks of fatigue. Learn about crew fatigue.
- Manage fatigue risks through proper planning Vessel owner addresses fatigue risks in the SMS risk assessment and develops a fatigue risk management plan.
- Implement Put the plan into operation by training the master and crew in the agreed procedures.
- Monitor Monitor how well the plan is working in consultation with the master and crew.
- Review Once implemented and trialled, review the plan and make necessary changes to make sure fatigue is managed properly in your operation.
Resources
- Guidelines for a safety management system (including fatigue requirements)
- How to write a fatigue risk management plan PDF 478.43 KB
- Scenarios and examples of fatigue risk management plans
- Fatigue risk management checklist PDF 266.5 KB
- Questions and answers. Explore AMSA’s fatigue resources at amsa.gov.au/fatigue
Register for our webinar: Fatigue management on domestic commercial vessels
When: Wednesday 6 May 2026, 2:30 – 3:15pm AEST
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams. We will send you a link to attend the webinar the day before it starts.
At the webinar you will hear about:
- the causes of fatigue
- recognising fatigue
- managing fatigue
- who is responsible for managing fatigue. AMSA’s fatigue experts will be joining the Q&A session.
Related news
Managing fatigue: A safety priority for domestic commercial vessels
Published
27/03/2026
Fatigue remains one of the most significant hazards in domestic commercial vessel (DCV)…
Managing fatigue: A safety priority for domestic commercial vessels
Published
27/03/2026
Fatigue remains one of the most significant hazards in domestic commercial vessel (DCV)…
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