Change is inevitable within any type of business. It arises from the need to respond and adapt to varying conditions. Modifications may be required to the equipment, operational policies, and organisational structure or personnel. Whenever a change is made, the potential consequences of that change should be assessed before implementation. History has illustrated the potential negative consequences associated with uncontrolled change. If a change is technically inappropriate, poorly executed, its risks poorly understood, or management fails to ensure communication to key personnel, accidents or other undesired consequences can result.
 
Thus, a formal and effective management of change programme plays a critical role in preventing accidents and losses. A management of change programme is one of the most challenging aspects of a safety management system to implement successfully. It requires organisational support, assignment of necessary resources, and a clear, defined process. The guidance provided in this short text is offered to the maritime and offshore sectors as a tool to aid in the development and implementation of an effective management of change strategy to optimise existing safety and risk management efforts.