(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) Guidelines on Shipping Companies’ Fulfilment of Primary Responsibility for Work Safety (Version 1.0) , issued in November 2025 and circulated to Shipmanagers and Owners, represent a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at elevating safety governance across shipping companies operating in Chinese waters. At their core, the Guidelines formalize the concept of “primary responsibility for work safety” , placing unequivocal accountability on shipping companies’ senior management. The legal representative and controlling persons are explicitly designated as ultimately responsible for safety performance, requiring demonstrable leadership, active oversight, and allocation of adequate resources. A System-Based Approach to Safety Management A central pillar of the Guidelines is the establishment of a comprehensive safety responsibility system covering all personnel , from shore-based executives to onboard crew. Companies are required to define roles, responsibilities, and accountability mechanisms in writing, supported by performance evaluations linked to remuneration and promotion. This is reinforced through mandatory Safety Management System (SMS) enhancements , including structured procedures for risk assessment, incident reporting, training, and emergency preparedness. Importantly, companies must allocate dedicated safety budgets—typically 1% of annual revenue (or 1.5% for higher-risk sectors)—to ensure sustained investment in safety measures. Dual Prevention Mechanism: Risk and Hazard Control A defining feature of the MSA framework is the “dual prevention mechanism” , combining: Risk classification and control Hazard identification and rectification Shipping companies must systematically identify operational risks (e.g. navigation, cargo, environment), assess their severity, and implement targeted mitigation measures. Parallel to this, a structured hazard reporting and rectification process ensur