Health & Safety

The culture of MTSCT remains strong and committed to the health and safety of our participants

Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust's Safety Management System (SMS) is made up of a safety management plan, safe operating procedures, safety tools and forms and most importantly, a strong safety culture. Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, the Experiencing Marine Reserves programme, Whitebait Connection programme, and all programmes/projects of The Trust are committed to the provision of a healthy and safe working environment and will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent serious harm and ensure the safety of staff, participants and all those we associate with.

The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust’s Experiencing Marine Reserves programme and all snorkelling operations is a registered adventure activity under the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016).

Feedback on our delivery or health and safety practices is also welcome via our general enquiry contact form.

Safety Management Plan & Procedures

1 September 2024

Safety Management Plan

1 December 2024

Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) Snorkelling Standard Operating Procedures

1 December 2024

Whitebait Connection Standard Operating Procedures

1 January 2025

Freshwater Risk Assessment Form

1 January 2025

Marine Risk Assessment Form

Safety Reports

Annual Safety Report 2024

We upheld top safety standards with new SOPs, Risk Register, and crew newsletters. Key updates reflect new legislation, natural hazard protocols, EMR snorkel changes, and clearer notifiable event thresholds. Staff comms, training, and reviews continue.

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Annual Safety Report 2023

We updated SMPs, new snorkelling SOPs, enhanced emergency prep, and a Water Quality Policy. EMR remains certified (AAO 534). H&S roles were clarified, training boosted, and Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) was featured in NZ Geographic for its standout visibility.

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Annual Safety Report 2022

We maintained high safety standards with strong H&S culture and proactive COVID responses. SMP/SOPs were streamlined. Roles of H&S reps and coordinators were also clarified. We reviewed Child Protection policy and appointed and trained CPLs. Regular debriefs continue.

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Annual Safety Report 2021

Our 2021 safety review confirms a strong safety culture and 100% quiz completion. Key wins include child protection training, volunteer upskilling, and new SOPs. Face-to-face hui and online catch-ups strengthened commitment across regions.

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Annual Safety Report 2020

We maintained its high safety standards through increased online meetings and Covid-19 adaptations. Key wins included 100% completion of safety quizzes, more volunteer training, child protection progress, and stronger regional H&S roles. No incident trends found.

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Annual Safety Report 2019

We trialled a Google Quiz to support H&S awareness, strengthened regional meetings, and improved snorkel volunteer training. 681 participants gave safety feedback—over 99% felt safe. A new snorkeller grading system was introduced. SMS, SOPs, and forms were reviewed and updated.

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Our policies

The Trust’s Safety Management Plan outlines key health and safety policies, with specific operational procedures detailed in the Appendix as SOPs. All consultants and regional coordinators are expected to be familiar with and follow this plan. Our strong reputation is built on high safety standards, and we aim to maintain and improve these. Feedback on our delivery or health and safety practices is also welcome via our general enquiry contact form.