News and media releases

Discover the latest developments and news updates from AMSA. See our information for journalists and members of the media.

Violent threats land unseaworthy tug boat owner in hot water

Published 19/10/2020

Anthony Roy Wolfe, the owner of MV Wallaroo – an unseaworthy, ex-navy tug boat – was convicted of hindering a Commonwealth public official in Cairns Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 13 October.

Ship banned for AUD $118,000 in unpaid crew wages

Published 17/09/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today banned the Panama-flagged bulk carrier AC Sesoda for deliberately underpaying its crew by more than AUD $118,000, which the ship’s operator attempted to conceal from authorities.

Commercial fishers asked for feedback on safety equipment requirements

Published 01/09/2020

The national regulator for commercial vessel operations in Australia, including commercial crabbers and bait fishers, is calling for industry feedback on a proposal to provide alternative safety equipment requirements for small fishing vessels operating in warm waters close to shore.

Australia bans bulk carrier Unison Jasper for underpaying seafarers

Published 29/08/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today banned the Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier Unison Jasper from Australian ports for six months.

Incident data helping to improve maritime safety

Published 14/08/2020

Release of the first domestic commercial vessel Annual Incident Report

Gold Coast boat share company fined for operating illegally

Published 06/08/2020

Gold Coast company, GC Princess Boatshare Pty Ltd, has been found guilty of operating a domestic commercial vessel unlawfully and fined $20,000 in the Southport Magistrates Court on Monday, 3 August 2020.

Sydney party boat company fined for operating illegally

Published 06/08/2020

Sydney company, MV Wolf Pty Ltd, has pleaded guilty to operating illegally and fined more than $15,000 in the Sydney Magistrates Court on 4 August 2020.

TW Hamburg banned from Australian ports for wage exploitation

Australia bans bulk carrier TW Hamburg for wage exploitation

Published 30/07/2020

Overnight the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) banned the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier TW Hamburg from Australian ports for 12 months.

Vessel Traffic Services recognised in inaugural awards

Published 28/07/2020

Hay Point Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Operator Warren Bath has been recognised for his coordination of an incident involving a bulk carrier by the inaugural VTS award.

Australia bans bulk carrier Agia Sofia for underpaying seafarers

Published 27/07/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today banned the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Agia Sofia from Australian ports for six months.

multi-coloured shipping containers against a blue ocean backdrop

AMSA launches campaign targeting container ships

Published 22/07/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is launching a focused inspection campaign targeting cargo securing arrangements on container ships visiting Australian ports.

Ship Navios Unite loses three containers off Cape Leeuwin, WA

Published 26/06/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responding to an incident involving the loss of about three shipping containers from the Liberian-flagged container ship, Navios Unite.

APL England container loss – Update

Published 19/06/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today released APL England to allow the ship to sail from Australia to undertake repairs in China.

Decision to ban vessel from Australian ports affirmed by AAT

Published 18/06/2020

An Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) decision to ban the Panama flagged bulk carrier Fortune Genius from entering or using an Australian port for a period of 12 months has been affirmed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

APL England container loss update

Published 15/06/2020

AMSA has issued a direction ordering the owner of APL England to search for missing containers that were lost from their vessel off New South Wales last month.

APL England shipping container loss - Update 5

Published 29/05/2020

Charges have been laid against the master of the APL England, which lost about 50 containers overboard off Sydney on Sunday. The offences relate to pollution and/or damage of the Australian marine environment as a result of poor cargo loading.

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Watch the video now—Every passenger counts

Published 21/10/2020

The new requirements for passenger vessels came into effect on the 31 May 2020. You can now watch a short video that explains some of the changes.

Marine incident data helping to improve maritime safety

Published 20/10/2020

We compile summaries of the vessel incidents that have been reported to us.

AMSA safety alert— Float-free EPIRBs—New requirements commencing 1 January 2021

Published 20/10/2020

This safety alert aims to raise awareness of the need for owners, operators, masters and crew of certain domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) to install a float-free emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) before 1 January 2021.

New shipping forum focuses on future maritime outlook

Published 16/10/2020

We have announced the establishment of a national Shipping Consultative Forum

New and improved national system forms available now

Published 06/10/2020

We have listened to your feedback and made some changes to simplify and improve a number of our national system forms.

Some online application forms are temporarily unavailable

Published 06/10/2020

Some of our our online application forms are currently unavailable.

Safety—you've got to wear it

Published 02/10/2020

Lifejackets are your most important piece of safety equipment, but they only work if you’re wearing them.

Safety—you've got to learn it

Published 01/10/2020

Just like on our roads, the use of boats and other vessels on the water demands that we abide by safety rules and laws.

2020-21 Vessel Traffic Services award now open

Published 30/09/2020

Do you know a VTS center or staff member who has made an outstanding contribution to the safety of life at sea, the safety and efficiency of navigation or the protection of the marine environment?

Safety—you've got to plan it

Published 30/09/2020

Planning your boating trip increases the safety and success of your activity on the water.

Safety—you've got to check it

Published 29/09/2020

Weather is a key factor in boating safety. Knowing what weather you are heading into is key for your safe return.

2020 Search and rescue awards

Published 29/09/2020

The winners of the 2020 Search and rescue awards have been announced.

Safety—you've got to pack it

Published 28/09/2020

Don’t forget to pack your safety equipment. It could save your life

Safety—you’ve got to know it

Published 26/09/2020

Knowing the limits of your vessel is the first line of defence when heading out on the water—your lives depend on it.

National Safe Boating Week runs from 26 September—2 October 2020

Published 25/09/2020

Safety—you’ve got to live it.

Fishing boat feeding tuna in the ocean with seagulls all around

Safety—you’ve got to service it

Published 25/09/2020

A key part of safe boating is being a responsible owner and making sure you keep up with regular maintenance, servicing and safety checks.

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Watch the video now—Every passenger counts

Published 21/10/2020

The new requirements for passenger vessels came into effect on the 31 May 2020. You can now watch a...

Watch the video now—Every passenger counts

Published 21/10/2020

The new requirements for passenger vessels came into effect on the 31 May 2020. You can now watch a...

Marine incident data helping to improve maritime safety

Published 20/10/2020

We compile summaries of the vessel incidents that have been reported to us.

AMSA safety alert— Float-free EPIRBs—New requirements commencing 1 January 2021

Published 20/10/2020

This safety alert aims to raise awareness of the need for owners, operators, masters and crew of...

Violent threats land unseaworthy tug boat owner in hot water

Published 19/10/2020

Anthony Roy Wolfe, the owner of MV Wallaroo – an unseaworthy, ex-navy tug boat – was convicted of...

New shipping forum focuses on future maritime outlook

Published 16/10/2020

We have announced the establishment of a national Shipping Consultative Forum

Some online application forms are temporarily unavailable

Published 06/10/2020

Some of our our online application forms are currently unavailable.

New and improved national system forms available now

Published 06/10/2020

We have listened to your feedback and made some changes to simplify and improve a number of our...

Safety—you've got to wear it

Published 02/10/2020

Lifejackets are your most important piece of safety equipment, but they only work if you’re wearing...

Safety—you've got to learn it

Published 01/10/2020

Just like on our roads, the use of boats and other vessels on the water demands that we abide by...

2020-21 Vessel Traffic Services award now open

Published 30/09/2020

Do you know a VTS center or staff member who has made an outstanding contribution to the safety of...

Safety—you've got to plan it

Published 30/09/2020

Planning your boating trip increases the safety and success of your activity on the water.

Safety—you've got to check it

Published 29/09/2020

Weather is a key factor in boating safety. Knowing what weather you are heading into is key for...

2020 Search and rescue awards

Published 29/09/2020

The winners of the 2020 Search and rescue awards have been announced.

Safety—you've got to pack it

Published 28/09/2020

Don’t forget to pack your safety equipment. It could save your life

Safety—you’ve got to know it

Published 26/09/2020

Knowing the limits of your vessel is the first line of defence when heading out on the water—your...

National Safe Boating Week runs from 26 September—2 October 2020

Published 25/09/2020

Safety—you’ve got to live it.

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