Health and safety

Bay Marine Works (2024) Limited takes health, safety, and environmental protection seriously. Every project we complete in Tauranga Harbour, the Bay of Plenty, and wider New Zealand is delivered with strict attention to risk management, regulatory compliance, and the wellbeing of our team, clients, and the marine environment.

This page outlines the principles, procedures, and expectations that guide our operations.

Our Commitment

Bay Marine Works is committed to:

  • Providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contractors, clients, and visitors
  • Meeting or exceeding all relevant New Zealand health and safety laws, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
  • Maintaining an active health and safety management system that is reviewed and improved over time
  • Protecting the coastal and marine environments in which we operate
  • Ensuring all work is planned, executed, and completed with risk minimisation at the forefront

Key Safety Principles

1. Safety-first culture

Everyone working with us is empowered to speak up if they identify a risk, unsafe behaviour, or unsafe conditions. Work is stopped if hazards cannot be controlled.

2. Qualified and competent personnel

We use ADAS-certified commercial divers and personnel trained for marine construction, vessel operations, salvage, and environmental protection.

3. Clear communication

Daily toolbox meetings, job hazard analyses, and vessel-to-vessel communication ensure tasks, risks, and controls are understood before work begins.

4. Job-specific risk assessment

Every job includes a documented risk assessment covering equipment, weather, tidal impacts, underwater hazards, environmental conditions, and site access.

5. Fit-for-purpose equipment

All vessels, barges, lifting gear, diving equipment, and tools are tested and maintained to manufacturer and regulatory standards.

Operational Safety Standards

Commercial Diving

  • All diving is conducted to ADAS standards
  • Full pre-dive checks and emergency protocols
  • Continuous surface tender monitoring
  • Recorded dive logs and equipment inspections

Marine Construction

  • Controlled lifting plans and load testing
  • Safe crane barge operation and exclusion zones
  • PPE compliance including helmets, vests, gloves, and fall protection
  • Regular equipment inspections and plant checks

Salvage and Towage

  • Vessel stability and towline calculations
  • Controlled recovery planning
  • Oil and fuel containment procedures
  • Coordination with harbour authorities and emergency teams

Mooring Work

  • Certified lifting and rigging
  • Inspection of chains, shackles, swivels, and risers
  • Safe deployment and retrieval procedures
  • Environmental impact considerations

Hazard Removal & Spill Response

  • Rapid response protocols
  • Containment and isolation of hazards
  • Safe manual handling and debris management
  • Coordination with the regional council

Environmental Protection

Bay Marine Works takes a practical, proactive approach to environmental care.
Our work follows the principles of:

  • Avoidance: preventing spills, sediment disturbance, or debris release
  • Containment: minimising spread if contaminants are present
  • Restoration: leaving sites in a safe and stable state
  • Compliance: meeting council, maritime, and environmental regulations

We work closely with Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council on sensitive projects.

Emergency Preparedness

We maintain detailed emergency response plans for:

  • Vessel or barge incidents
  • Diving emergencies
  • Severe weather or unexpected tides
  • Oil spills or environmental contamination
  • Medical incidents

All vessels carry first aid, communication equipment, and spill response materials appropriate to the job.

Training and Competency

Our team holds relevant qualifications including:

  • ADAS commercial diving
  • Maritime vessel operations
  • Rigging and lifting
  • Confined space and working at heights
  • First aid
  • Oil spill response training

Training is refreshed regularly, and new staff undergo full site inductions.

Client and Contractor Responsibilities

To ensure safe and efficient work, clients and contractors are expected to:

  • Provide accurate site information (depths, hazards, access, vessel history)
  • Disclose any known risks or contamination issues
  • Maintain clear access for equipment and vessels
  • Follow instructions from the Bay Marine Works site supervisor
  • Comply with exclusion zones and hazard markings

Continuous Improvement

We review our health and safety systems regularly.
Improvements are made through:

  • Staff feedback
  • Incident and near-miss reporting
  • Equipment maintenance records
  • Changes in regulations or industry best practice

Contact Us

If you have questions about our health and safety practices or need information for your project:

Bay Marine Works (2024) Limited
10 Maru Street, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116
Phone: +64 27 295 0077
Email: admin@baymarineworks.co.nz

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