Note: A major amendment to DASR SMS was published on 27 Feb 26. Organisations required to comply with DASR SMS must achieve compliance with the amended regulation no later than 27 Feb 27. DASA will release an Advisory Circular to provide transition information and guidance in due course. The previous text of DASR SMS is available here.
Purpose. (Context) An SMS provides Authorised Organisations with a systematic approach to managing safety. An SMS continuously improves safety performance through identifying Hazards; collecting and analysing safety data and information; and continuously assessing safety risks. An SMS seeks to mitigate safety risks before they result in aviation accidents and incidents. (Hazard) Aviation Safety can be compromised when Authorised Organisations do not implement an effective SMS. (Defence) This regulation requires the Authorised Organisation to use an SMS to identify Aviation Safety Hazards and manage the associated risks —in order to eliminate those risks So Far as is Reasonably Practicable (SFARP) and, if it is not reasonably practicable to do so, to minimise those risks SFARP.
DASR Safety Management System (SMS) applies to Authorised Organisations where compliance with DASR SMS is a requirement in the relevant section of the DASR. This section specifies SMS requirements that an Authorised Organisation must meet to qualify for the issue or continuation of an approval.
The Authorised Organisation must implement an SMS that is commensurate with the size of the organisation and the complexity of its aviation activities, products or services.GMGM
Organisation size and complexity considerations. Large or complex organisations may require several safety management levels and safety committees. Conversely, small organisations may not need dedicated safety personnel, instead relying on a number of personnel to perform the multiple SMS functions required. Irrespective of whether an individual or a number of personnel perform SMS functions, the organisation should identify and allocate all SMS tasks.
Where one or more organisations exist within a larger group, each organisation may leverage off a single group-level SMS. However, the group-level SMS should clearly define resourcing and interface requirements. Additionally, the SMS should satisfy the Aviation Safety Management requirements of each organisation.
Guidance Material (GM). DASPMAN Volume 3 contains DASR SMS GM to help illustrate the meaning of a requirement. It can provide explanations of DASR SMS and an amplification of the policy intention. Organisations should read the GM in conjunction with DASR SMS and AMC.
The Authorised Organisation must implement defined policy and objectives for all SMS elements, including:
Element 1.1: Management commitment.AMCAMC
An organisation should demonstrate management commitment through:
a safety policy that:
sets the Accountable Manager’s (AM’s) commitment to safety and to continuous improvement-including the promotion and maintenance of a positive Safety Culture
complies with all applicable DASR requirements
provides the necessary resources for implementing the safety policy at all levels of the organisation
defines safety as a primary responsibility of all managers
is understood, implemented and maintained at all levels
actively encourages safety reporting and protection of safety data
defines a method of determining acceptable and unacceptable safety behaviour and commensurate action
remains relevant and is ‘visibly endorsed’ by the AM
is issued by the AM.
documented safety objectives that:
define safety outcomes the SMS aims to achieve
are brief, high-level statements of the organisation’s safety priorities and address the most significant safety risks
form the basis for safety performance monitoring and measurement
are communicated throughout the organisation
remain relevant to the organisation and are periodically reviewed.
The organisation must have a safety policy endorsed by the Accountable Manager (AM).
The organisation must establish safety objectives that are consistent with the safety policy.
Element 1.2: Safety accountability and responsibilities.
The Accountable Manager (AM) is accountable for the effective and efficient performance of the organisation’s SMS. AMCAMC
The Accountable Manager (AM) should:
allocate the necessary resources (human, materiel and time) for the SMS
provide the necessary resources to implement and manage risk controls
identify and establish formal arrangements with external organisations to consult, cooperate and coordinate activities to fulfil mutual Aviation Safety accountabilities and responsibilities
allocate specific SMS functions, roles, and responsibilities to personnel—to support, maintain and improve the SMS
ensure the organisational safety structure includes documented:
safety accountabilities, responsibilities and authorities
authority levels to make risk decisions relating to Aviation Safety.
ensure Aviation Safety policy and objectives documentation and procedures are:
suitable
informed by SMS safety data
reviewed periodically.
define approvals, accountabilities and responsibilities, including the control of documentation when a single SMS applies across multiple organisations.
Element 1.3: Appointment of Key Safety Personnel (KSP).
The Accountable Manager (AM) must appoint competent KSP to manage the performance of the SMS. AMC1AMC1 AMC2AMC2
The Accountable Manager (AM) should:
appoint Key Safety Personnel (KSP), and fill all requisite safety positions with appropriately qualified, trained and experienced personnel
allocate sufficient KSP to manage the SMS, including personnel to perform the responsibilities and functions of the safety manager
ensure there is a direct reporting line between the safety manager and the AM.
The safety manager’s responsibilities and functions include:
advising the AM on safety management matters
coordinating and communicating safety issues internally and externally
performing and facilitating Hazard identification and Safety Risk Assessment
managing investigation of events and issues
monitoring corrective actions and evaluating the results of those corrective actions
providing periodic reports on the organisation’s safety performance against stated safety objectives
monitoring safety concerns in the aviation industry and the perceived effect on the organisation’s Aviation Safety
chairing Aviation Safety Management meetings
planning and facilitating safety training
maintaining SMS documentation and records.
The organisation should document the division of responsibility when more than one safety manager is appointed.
The Accountable Manager (AM) should:
appoint Key Safety Personnel (KSP), and fill all requisite safety positions with appropriately qualified, trained and experienced personnel
allocate sufficient KSP to manage the SMS, including:
a Hazard Tracking Authority (HTA)
safety managers and safety officers, as necessary.
ensure there is a direct reporting line between the AM and the:
HTA
safety manager.
The safety manager’s responsibilities and functions include:
advising the AM on safety management matters
coordinating and communicating safety issues internally and externally
performing and facilitating Hazard identification and Safety Risk Assessment
managing investigation of events and issues IAW the Defence Aviation Safety Reporting System (Defence ASRS).
monitoring corrective actions and evaluation of results
provision of periodic reports on the organisation’s safety performance against stated safety objectives
monitoring safety concerns in the aviation industry and the perceived effect on the organisation’s Aviation Safety
chairing Aviation Safety Management meetings
planning and facilitating safety training
maintenance of SMS documentation and records.
The safety officer supports the safety manager in SMS functions including:
Risk Management
SMS documentation
investigation and reporting
safety assurance
safety training and promotion
safety communication.
The organisation should document the division of responsibility when more than one safety manager or HTA is appointed.
The HTA responsibilities and functions include:
coordinating and communicating safety issues internally and externally
tracking Hazards, including actions and recommendations from Aviation Safety Reports (ASRs) to completion
reviewing ASRs, including:
coordinating requests for clarification of elements of ASR
coordinating the reporting chain endorsements of ASR
assessing and where necessary addressing:
circumstances surrounding the identification of Hazards
quality and timeliness of investigations
appropriateness of reported contributing factors
suitability of risk elimination and minimisation measures, both internal to and external to the reporting organisation
providing feedback on ASR content and subsequent actions to originating organisations
coordinating Aviation Safety investigations IAW the Defence ASRS
conducting risk elimination and minimisation through:
forwarding requests for implementing controls identified in ASR that are best addressed by external agencies
monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of controls over time
periodic reporting of the status of control measures to the AM
informing the AM when recommendations and associated actions require further resources to achieve resolution
chairing the Aviation Hazard Review Board (AHRB) to:
review and allocate priorities to ongoing aviation risk elimination and minimisation measures
ensure all accepted recommendations are actioned to completion and inform the AM of further requirements to achieve resolution if completing a recommendation is not possible
assess the quality of ASR completion and take action to improve as necessary
assess the validity of risk assessments based on reviewed ASRs
provide AHRB Minutes to the AM
meet at least twice per year.
Element 1.4: Coordination of emergency response planning.
The organisation must establish and maintain an emergency response plan (ERP). AMCAMC
An emergency response plan (ERP) should:
document:
procedures for an orderly and efficient transition from normal to emergency operations
the management of emergency situations
mitigating actions, processes and control measures
the coordination of actions with different organisations (eg airfield management services and external third parties)
delegations of authority and emergency responsibilities
actions for responsible personnel to take during an emergency
support a return to normal operations as soon as possible
include foreseeable aviation-related emergencies as applicable to the organisation
be accessible to appropriate key personnel and external organisations
be periodically tested through:
full-scale ERP exercise—at least biennially:
commensurate with the size and complexity of operations
unless the ERP was activated in a real emergency within the preceding year
partial ERP exercises or table-top exercises:
in intervening years—to review corrected deficiencies found during the full-scale ERP exercise
whenever there is a change of responsible personnel or procedures.
As an exception to DASR SMS.10(a).4.a, the following organisations do not require an ERP:
an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) with respect to the provision of:
an Aeronautical Information Service (AIS)
a Meteorological (MET) Service
Air Cargo Delivery Service Providers
Military Type Certificate Holder Organisations
Military Design Organisations
Military Production Organisations.
Element 1.5: SMS documentation.
The organisation must document and review policies and processes relative to the SMS. AMCAMC
An organisation’s SMS documentation should:
describe the SMS and applicable inter-relationships between the 12 elements of the organisation's SMS
be reviewed and updated periodically
have version control
be suitable based on the size and complexity of the organisation
define the method of storing SMS-related records
define document and data archive processes for legal and knowledge preservation purposes
be accessible and usable by all personnel.
The Authorised Organisation must conduct Safety Risk Management using artefacts documenting the following SMS elements:
Element 2.1: Hazard identification
The organisation must implement a process to identify Hazards to Aviation Safety. AMC1AMC1 AMC2AMC2
Hazard identification. Non-ADF organisations should implement a process to identify Hazards associated with its aviation activities, products and services that includes:
reactive, proactive and predictive methodologies
periodic review of already-identified Hazards and risks, and extant risk controls
reviewing the effectiveness of documentation, considering its scope, management and application
consideration of third-party interface Hazards
a safety reporting system that includes:
enabling the identification of Hazards
capturing all aviation safety reports
enabling safety reporting, investigation and action item management
feedback to the reporter of actions taken or not taken
being accessible to all personnel
being secure and confidential
reporting requirements IAW DASR GR.40
an investigation process.
Hazard identification. The organisation’s Risk Management (RM) approach must include:
reactive, proactive and predictive methodologies
periodic review of already-identified Hazards and risks, and extant risk controls
reviewing the effectiveness of documentation, considering its scope, management and application
consideration of third-party interface Hazards
a safety reporting system that includes:
enabling the identification of Hazards
capturing all aviation safety reports
enabling safety reporting, investigation and action item management
feedback to the reporter of actions taken or not taken
being accessible to all personnel
being secure and confidential
reporting requirements IAW DASR GR.40
an investigation process IAW Defence Aviation Safety Reporting System (Defence ASRS).
Element 2.2: Safety Risk Assessment and mitigation.
ADF organisation’s Risk Management (RM) approach must include structured and organised processes, through: AMC1AMC1
Risk assessment and mitigation. ADF organisation’s Risk Management (RM) approach must include:
Risk Management processes that:
establishes the Hazard and risk context
is reasonably informed of the risk and all possible controls
eliminates risk so far as is reasonably practicable (SFARP)
minimises risk SFARP
characterises risk
documents the decision to proceed
continuously monitors and reviews risk, including:
the review of the latest standards and requirements for identification of new controls
aggregation of risks.
consults, cooperates and coordinates with stakeholders
documenting risk management and controls for aviation operations in Core Risk Profiles (CRPs), Mission Risk Profiles (MRPs) and Risk Management Plans (RMPs)
implementation of risk controls into aviation activities, products and services
assessing the effectiveness of risk controls and adjusting risk controls as necessary
entering and maintaining noteworthy safety risks on a Noteworthy Risk register
periodic review of Deliberate Risk Management (DRM) assessments for:
Noteworthy Risks, this period must not exceed 12 months
other risks, the period must not exceed 24 months.
Deliberate Risk Management (DRM)
Immediate Risk Management (IRM)
Maintaining Risk Awareness (MRA).
Non-ADF organisations must implement a risk assessment and mitigation process. AMC2AMC2
Risk assessment and mitigation. The AM should ensure that risk assessment and mitigation includes:
Risk Management processes, that:
establishes the Hazard and risk context
is reasonably informed of the risk and all possible controls
eliminates risk so far as is reasonably practicable (SFARP)
minimises risk SFARP
characterises risk
documents the decision to proceed
continuously monitors and reviews risk, including the review of the latest standards and requirements for identification of new controls
consults, cooperates and coordinates with stakeholders
recording and integrating risk controls into aviation activities, products and services
providing feedback on the adequacy of risk controls
periodic review.
The Authorised Organisation must conduct safety assurance using artefacts documenting the following SMS elements:
Element 3.1: Safety performance monitoring and measurement.
The organisation must implement safety performance monitoring and measurement to validate and improve the effectiveness of the safety risk controls. AMCAMC
The organisation should:
monitor, measure and verify safety performance
periodically review and update safety objectives, safety targets and safety performance indicators
analyse Aviation Safety data
include Aviation Safety survey programs
periodically conduct safety audits.
Element 3.2: The management of change.
The organisation must implement a process to identify Hazards to Aviation Safety caused by change, and manage the risks. AMCAMC
The organisation should identify and treat risks that may arise from change, including:
defining a process to conduct Hazard identification and Risk Management for change
engaging key stakeholders as part of the management of change process
reviewing and updating previous risk assessments
defining triggers for the implementation of management of change processes, including:
changes in safety regulatory requirements
the introduction of new or improved technology, equipment or processes
changes in the operating or work environment
changes in capability delivery and production requirements
any major organisational change (eg restructure)
changes in personnel numbers, key personnel, or personnel experience levels
physical changes (eg new facility or base, aerodrome layouts)
changes to third party SMS interfaces.
Element 3.3: Continuous improvement of the SMS.
The organisation must continuously monitor and assess its SMS processes to improve the overall effectiveness of the SMS. AMCAMC
As the organisation identifies opportunities, and organisational processes change, the organisation’s SMS should evolve. The continuous improvement processes should:
action results from safety performance monitoring and safety oversight activities
establish safety committees to communicate safety issues to managers with the authority and resources to make decisions to improve the SMS
incorporate Aviation Safety improvement recommendations, including suggestions from the workforce or external sources.
The Authorised Organisation must conduct safety promotion using artefacts documenting the following SMS elements:
Element 4.1: Safety training and education.
The organisation must ensure safety training and education is conducted relative to roles, responsibilities and accountabilities. AMCAMC
The organisation should ensure:
safety training needs are identified
personnel are trained and competent to perform their SMS duties
training records are raised and maintained
training effectiveness is evaluated.
Safety training and education should include initial and recurrent training.
Organisations should use DASA developed and promulgated safety training (refer DASA website).
Organisations may use safety training that delivers equivalent learning and assessment outcomes to the DASA developed safety training.
Element 4.2: Safety communication.
The organisation must deliver effective safety communication by the most appropriate method. AMCAMC
The organisation should:
ensure all personnel have access to current and relevant safety information
rapidly and accurately disseminate urgent Aviation Safety information
promulgate and prominently display Aviation Safety policies and objectives
promote a positive Safety Culture
disseminate safety information including:
significant events, trends and investigation outcomes
identification of Key Safety Personnel
lessons learned from investigations, case histories and experiences
results of performance monitoring and actions taken.
engage safety personnel at all levels, internally and externally
disseminate internal safety information to relevant external organisations
make relevant safety information available to DASA
recognise personnel who make a significant contribution to Aviation Safety.