Safe Work Australia is consulting on options to improve the safety of crane operations in the maritime sector.
Consultation feedback
The discussion paper Improving the safety of crane operations in the maritime sector has been developed to seek feedback on potential options under the model WHS laws to improve safety outcomes for crane operations in maritime workplaces. A key focus is the consideration of a dedicated high risk work (HRW) licence for operating cranes in dynamic environments, such as on vessels. The paper also explores alternative measures to improve crane safety in the maritime sector.
The proposed options are:
Retain existing HRW licensing arrangements with the development of supporting national guidance (non-regulatory option).
Introduce a mandatory training requirement for crane operations on or over water.
Introduce a new HRW licence class for maritime crane operations.
Additional competency requirements for offshore and subsea lifting.
Each option is expanded on in the discussion paper and includes questions for your feedback.
Consultation process
All stakeholders with an interest in improving the safety of crane operations in the maritime sector are encouraged to participate in the consultation.
Please note the options in this paper are offered for consultation purposes only. They are subject to change in response to further evidence, policy analysis and feedback from consultation processes.
Depending on the approach agreed by Safe Work Australia Members, and subject to the outcomes of this consultation, further analysis of the impacts of one or more of the proposed regulatory options may be undertaken. Stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback on any impact analysis through a separate consultation. Ultimately any changes to the model WHS Regulations are subject to agreement by WHS ministers.
Crane licence review
This consultation forms part of a suite of proposed crane licence reforms agreed by Safe Work Australia Members in March 2025, which seek to improve crane safety and ensure the licensing framework in the model WHS Regulations reflects contemporary work practices and equipment.
Additional consultations on other proposed crane licence reforms will be undertaken during 2026. The below outlines the sequencing and topics for each of the consultations.
Making a submission
Submissions are sought by 11:59 pm (AEST) Monday 27 April 2026. Submissions can be made by completing the survey under the Have your say section.
Demographic data will be collected as part of this process through completing the submission form.
You can decide how your submission is published on the Consultation Hub by choosing from the following options:
submission published with your name, your organisation’s name, or a pseudonym
submission published anonymously, or submission not published.