About the plan
The National Compliance Plan 2026–27 outlines AMSA’s priority compliance activities from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
The plan helps industry and our compliance partners understand the areas AMSA will focus on during the year. These priorities are informed by inspection data, marine incident trends, investigations, audits, search and rescue activity, subject matter expert input and ongoing compliance monitoring.
In 2026–27, AMSA’s compliance work will focus on improving maritime safety, seafarer welfare and environmental protection through targeted inspections, education, compliance checks, data collection and engagement with industry.
A key feature of this year’s plan includes a dedicated inspection program under the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 (OHS(MI) Act), targeting regulated Australian vessels and applicable foreign-flagged vessels. The program supports the reform of the OHS(MI) Act currently underway. It also reinforces AMSA's zero tolerance for breaches under the Maritime Labour Convention for seafarer health, safety and welfare standards, ensuring that maritime operators meet their obligations under Australian and international law.
2026–27 focus area highlights
- Risk-based inspections of foreign and Australian flagged vessels, focusing on navigational safety, pollution prevention, and cargo securing and stowage practices
- Seafarer safety and welfare under the Maritime Labour Convention, including occupational health and safety, and hours of work and rest.
- Domestic vessel safety, with priorities on electrical safety, watchkeeping, lookout practices, and fatigue management.
- Pollution prevention through checks on exhaust gas cleaning systems and supporting safe environmental practices.
- Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander operators to strengthen safety management system (SMS) implementation and safe operations.
Read the plan
Get the full details of our compliance priorities and approach.