Have your say on proposed changes to fire safety regulations for vessels

Monday 17 November 2025

AMSA is seeking feedback on proposed updates to Marine Orders 15 and 49 to align with international fire safety standards.

Person in a green helmet and blue coveralls operates a red fire monitor on a vessel, spraying a wide arc of water over the ocean. The equipment is bright red with orange railings, and a faint rainbow is visible in the mist.

About the changes

The proposed amendments will restrict the use, storage and disposal of fire-extinguishing agents containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) — a harmful chemical used in some fire safety systems.

The changes will align Australia’s regulations with mandatory updates to:

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

What’s proposed

Restrictions on PFOS-based fire-extinguishing media for both new and existing vessels
Updates to terminology and definitions in Marine Orders 15 and 49
Alignment with relevant IMO Maritime Safety Committee resolutions