Proposed changes to rules for lost container reporting

We are seeking feedback on new reporting rules for lost and observed freight containers at sea. The proposed updates will align Australian law with international requirements.

About the changes

Lost freight containers pose serious risks to maritime safety and the marine environment.

Because of this, mandatory reporting rules have been added to SOLAS Chapter V under IMO Resolution MSC.550(108).

We are now updating Australian laws to align with these international safety requirements and make container loss reporting clear and enforceable.

The main updates are to Marine Order 27 (Safety of navigation and radio equipment). There are minor updates to marine orders 41 and 94 to ensure consistency.

We have also taken the opportunity to make minor consequential and administrative changes to these orders as well as marine orders 43 and 70.

Key dates

17 November 2025: Consultation opens

18 December 2025: Consultation closes

1 March 2026: Consultation feedback report

1 April 2026: Amendments come into effect

Who the changes apply to

Owners and operators of regulated Australian vessels (RAVs)
Foreign-flagged vessels operating in Australian waters

What changes are we seeking feedback on?

Update Marine Order 27 to require all vessels (regardless of build date) to report any freight containers they lose or observe in the water, in line with SOLAS Chapter V.
Make minor updates to marine orders 41 and 94 to reflect the MO27 changes and ensure consistency.
Make separate minor updates to marine orders 27, 41, 43, 70 and 94 to improve clarity, revise outdated references and align with recent international conventions.

Draft marine orders and change summary

Marine Orders Miscellaneous Amendment 2026 PDF337.28 KB

Change summary PDF547.85 KB

Have your say

AMSA welcomes your feedback on the proposed changes.

Feedback closes at 11.59pm on18 December 2025.

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.

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Last updated: 17 November 2025

Submit your feedback

Please submit your feedback by midnight on 18 December 2025.

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Proposed changes

Read the change summary and draft amendments and let us know your comments.

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