Read about our compliance priorities for 2025–26 to stay informed, meet regulatory requirements, and support better safety and environmental outcomes.
About the plan
The 2025–26 National Compliance Plan outlines our priority activities for the year ahead, helping industry understand what we’ll focus on and why. Grounded in safety data, trends, and expert input, the plan guides a transparent, risk-based approach to regulation.
Our priorities include targeted inspections, education, and collaboration to reduce marine pollution, improve seafarer welfare, and strengthen safety across domestic and international operations.
2025–26 focus area highlights
- Risk-based inspections of foreign and Australian flagged vessels, focusing on maintenance, pilot ladder safety, cargo securing, and pollution prevention.
- Seafarer safety and welfare under the Maritime Labour Convention, including wage compliance, and workplace risk assessments.
- Domestic vessel safety, with priorities on fatigue management, SMS implementation, lithium-ion battery risks, hazardous gases, and lifejacket wear.
- Safe towing and flood operations for emergency service vessels, with targeted education .
- Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander operators to strengthen safety management system (SMS) implementation and safe operations.
- Joint inspections with WorkSafe targeting high-risk activities such as snorkelling and diving to improve safety outcomes.
Read the plan
Get the full details of our compliance priorities and approach.
Last updated: 23 July 2025