The regulations provide the formal mechanism for the application of Australian Standard AS 3846-2005 to all Western Australian ports. The standard, which is based on the IMO guidelines Safe Handling of Dangerous Goods in Port Areas, has previously been applied in the Port of Fremantle by the direction of the Harbour Master. A key feature of the regulations is the clear assignment of responsibilities to all parties in the transport chain. Berth operators (typically stevedores) carry safety management systems and emergency response plans for dangerous cargoes operations.