"We're pleased to issue the first Maritime Transport Operator Certificate to one of the largest fishing operators in the country," Mr Hawthorn said.
He said Sanford had put together a comprehensive safety plan to enter the new system.
The Maritime Operator Safety System, which was designed to improve operator and vessel safety, replaces the Safe Ship Management (SSM) system.
It required operators to develop a safety system, which covered not only their vessels, but their entire operation.
About 2000 commercial operators would be required to transition to the new safety system over the next four years.
"I believe MOSS strikes the right balance between ensuring operators take control of developing and implementing their own safety system, and enabling MNZ to provide the right amount of regulatory oversight for these systems."
Mr Hawthorn said he expected the transition to be "fairly painless" for operators.
He said a new safety system was necessary because maritime operations were inherently dangerous.
"While fishing can't be entirely risk free, it is up to both operators like Sanford and Maritime NZ as the regulator, to make it as safe as it can be," he said.
"The injury data suggests that the most common hazards on board fishing vessels are cuts, sprains and strains, but very serious injuries and deaths do occur at an unacceptable rate ... That is something we all need to shine a light on when creating safety systems. It's the saving of human life and the quality of life that we're really concerned about preserving."
More information about Maritime Operator Safety System is available on Maritime New Zealand's website www.maritimenz.govt.nz/moss.
