Proposed changes to fire safety regulations in Marine Order 15 and Marine Order 49

AMSA is seeking your feedback on proposed amendments to Marine Order 15 and Marine Order 49 to align with international fire safety standards and restrict the use of fire-extinguishing systems containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).

About Marine Order 15 and Marine Order 49

Marine Order 15 (Construction – fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction) sets standards for the construction and installation of fire equipment on:

  • regulated Australian vessels (RAVs)
  • foreign vessels operating in Australian waters.

It ensures these standards align with international fire safety rules for fire protection, detection, and extinguishing systems.

Marine Order 49 (High speed craft) sets out safety, certification and reporting requirements for high speed craft (HSC). It includes provisions related to fire systems and applies to HSC that are either RAVs or foreign vessels.

Key dates

  • 17 November 2025 - Consultation opens
  • 18 December 2025 - Consultation closes
  • 1 April 2026 - Amendments come into force

Who the changes apply to

Owners and operators of:

  • Regulated Australian vessels
  • foreign vessels
  • high speed crafts.

What changes are we seeking feedback on?

AMSA is proposing amendments to Marine Orders 15 and 49 to align Australia’s regulations with mandatory changes to:

  • the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
  • the 1994 and 2000 International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft (HSC Code).

These changes introduce restrictions on the use, storage, and disposal of fire-extinguishing media that contain perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) for both new and existing vessels.

Key proposed changes:

  • Align these marine orders with relevant IMO Maritime Safety Committee resolutions including:
    • mandatory restrictions on PFOS in fire-extinguishing systems
    • requirements for storage and disposal.
  • Clarify definitions and terminology associated with these restrictions.

Proposed changes and draft marine orders

You can review the full draft orders and supporting documents below.

Have your say

AMSA welcomes your feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 15 and Marine Order 49.

You can submit feedback by:

  • making a submission using this online form
  • contacting AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484 - a Customer Service Officer will take your feedback over the phone
  • sending an email to consultation@amsa.gov.au.

Please submit your feedback by 18 December 2025.

Last updated: 17 November 2025

Submit your feedback

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Proposed changes

Read the proposed changes and let us know your comments

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