News and media releases

Discover the latest developments and news updates from AMSA. See our information for journalists and members of the media.

APL England container loss – Update 3

Published 27/05/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is investigating the loss of 40 containers from the Singapore-flagged container ship APL England during heavy seas off Sydney on Sunday, 24 May 2020.

APL England container loss – Update 2

Published 26/05/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) boarded the Singapore-flagged container ship APL England at the Port of Brisbane anchorage (off Port Cartwright) today following an incident involving the loss of 40 containers overboard during heavy seas on Sunday.

APL England shipping container loss off New South Wales—Update 1

Published 25/05/2020

AMSA is responding to an incident involving the loss of about 40 containers overboard from the Singapore-flagged container ship APL England off the New South Wales coastline.

AMSA responding to loss of containers from ship off NSW Coast

Published 24/05/2020

At about 10.45am AEST this morning, Sunday 24 May, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received notification that a container ship had lost cargo overboard off the NSW coast.

AMSA urges crew to wear lifejackets after trawler tragedy

Published 22/05/2020

AMSA strongly urges commercial vessel operators and crew to wear lifejackets while working on the decks of their vessels.

AMSA inspectors to attend man overboard vessel

Published 19/05/2020

At about 3.30am AEST on Monday 18 May a crew member on board the fishing trawler K Vern was lost overboard in heavy seas off the Sunshine Coast.

Industry reminded to get on board with float-free EPIRBs

Published 11/05/2020

Fourteen commercial fishermen and divers lost their lives after their vessels capsized in Australian waters between 2015-2017. None of these commercial vessels had a means of automatically alerting search and rescue authorities to their unfolding plight.

Container recovery operation a complete success

Published 08/05/2020

The AMSA led operation to recover containers lost from the YM Efficiency off the NSW coast is complete.

Australian seafarers receive qualification extension amid COVID-19

Published 07/04/2020

Australian seafarers with both domestic and international qualifications will receive an automatic six-month extension on their qualifications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spirit of 1770 company fined for reckless operation

Published 23/03/2020

The company which owned Spirit of 1770, a passenger vessel that caught fire and burnt to the waterline with 42 paying customers and four crew members on board while returning from a voyage to Lady Musgrave Island on 11 May 2016, has been fined $25,000 for reckless operation of a commercial vessel.

Seafarer welfare during COVID-19 outbreak

Published 06/03/2020

Travel restrictions and quarantine measures which have been implemented worldwide to help limit the spread of COVID-19 are beginning to impact seafarer working conditions.

Collaboration brings FNQ maritime safety improvements

Published 13/02/2020

Authorities and industry education are collaborating to help improve the safety of commercial fishing operations in remote areas of Far North Queensland.

Yang Ming ship arrested for pollution debt

Published 09/02/2020

The sister ship of the YM Efficiency, which lost 81 shipping containers off the coast of Newcastle and Port Stephens in June 2018, has been arrested in Sydney today for a pollution debt that could reach as high as AUD $20 million.

Master convicted after failing to report main engine breakdown without delay

Published 16/01/2020

The master of a ship has been convicted after failing to report without delay a main engine breakdown off Queensland, Australia that affected the safety, operation and seaworthiness of his ship.

Contract signed for YM Efficiency pollution clean-up operation

Published 18/12/2019

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has signed a contract to remove the pollution caused by the Yang Ming owned container ship YM Efficiency, when it lost 81 containers off the coast of Newcastle last year.

Moreton Bay rescue a timely reminder to hire and drive operators

Published 12/12/2019

Six tourists had to be rescued from a busy shipping channel in Moreton Bay over the weekend after they drifted away from shore unsupervised in their hire-and-drive kayaks.

June 2020 incident report

Published 30/07/2020

Ten serious incidents were reported to us in June.

The effects of our Marine notice 04/2020—Maximum period of shipboard service for seafarers during COVID-19 pandemic

Published 30/07/2020

Since we issued Marine notice 04/2020 on 26 June 2020, we have received a large number of Maritime Labour Convention complaints.

Subscribe now to receive our Safety Awareness Bulletin

Published 29/07/2020

To get the latest information on maritime incidents, trends in the industry and safety awareness tips, sign up to receive a copy of our safety awareness bulletin.

Mental health resources

Published 22/07/2020

We have put together a list of resources to help seafarers.

APL England incident update

Published 10/07/2020

On the 24th of May 2020 the container ship APL England enroute from China to Melbourne experienced a temporary loss of propulsion during heavy seas about 73 kilometres south east of Sydney.

Workplace health and safety laws on domestic commercial vessels

Published 08/07/2020

If you work in the maritime industry you should be familiar with the work health and safety (WHS) laws of the state or territory that you are working in.

Supporting your crew

Published 08/07/2020

Ensuring good mental health is not merely a matter for the individual. It’s your responsibility to protect the mental health and wellbeing of your crew.

Survey for international seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Published 07/07/2020

If you are currently working on an international vessel, a joint university research team want to hear about your experiences at sea during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every passenger counts

Published 03/07/2020

There are new requirements for domestic commercial vessels that carry passengers.

Ship in the middle of the ocean in front of a sunset with smoke billowing out

May detention list

Published 02/07/2020

Our ship detention list for May 2020 is available.

EPIRB changes on the way

Published 26/06/2020

From 1 January 2021, the law around EPIRB carriage on domestic commercial vessels is changing.

International Day of the Seafarer 2020

Published 25/06/2020

Today is International Day of the Seafarer!

passengers onboard and photographing a dolphin

New requirements to improve passenger safety

Published 24/06/2020

The new requirements for domestic commercial vessels that carry passengers came into effect on the 31 May 2020.

May incident report

Published 24/06/2020

Read our May 2020 incident report.

Our commitment to seafarers

Published 23/06/2020

Seafarers work under some of the toughest conditions, facing daily challenges like no other workplace.

Have your say—draft 2020-21 Cost Recovery Implementation Statement

Published 15/06/2020

We want your feedback on AMSA’s draft 2020-21 Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS).

National Safe Boating Week runs from 26 September—2 October 2020

Published 25/09/2020

Safety—you’ve got to live it.

Managing and reducing the risk of fatigue at sea

Published 12/08/2020

Fatigue can have serious consequences for the safety and health of seafarers, operational safety...

Upward trend in float-free EPIRB registrations in July

Published 11/08/2020

There has been a 30 per cent increase in float-free EPIRB registrations in July.

Reminder—all National Law general exemptions have been extended until 30 June 2025

Published 10/08/2020

We have extended existing general exemptions to provide seafarers and operators with continuity and...

Seafarers happiness index survey

Published 06/08/2020

Mission to Seafarers want to know how satisfied you are with your life at sea.

Gold Coast boat share company fined for operating illegally

Published 06/08/2020

Gold Coast company, GC Princess Boatshare Pty Ltd, has been found guilty of operating a domestic...

Sydney party boat company fined for operating illegally

Published 06/08/2020

Sydney company, MV Wolf Pty Ltd, has pleaded guilty to operating illegally and fined more than $15,...

TW Hamburg banned from Australian ports for wage exploitation

Australia bans bulk carrier TW Hamburg for wage exploitation

Published 30/07/2020

Overnight the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) banned the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier...

June 2020 incident report

Published 30/07/2020

Ten serious incidents were reported to us in June.

The effects of our Marine notice 04/2020—Maximum period of shipboard service for seafarers during COVID-19 pandemic

Published 30/07/2020

Since we issued Marine notice 04/2020 on 26 June 2020, we have received a large number of Maritime...

Subscribe now to receive our Safety Awareness Bulletin

Published 29/07/2020

To get the latest information on maritime incidents, trends in the industry and safety awareness...

Vessel Traffic Services recognised in inaugural awards

Published 28/07/2020

Hay Point Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Operator Warren Bath has been recognised for his...

Australia bans bulk carrier Agia Sofia for underpaying seafarers

Published 27/07/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today banned the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier...

multi-coloured shipping containers against a blue ocean backdrop

AMSA launches campaign targeting container ships

Published 22/07/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is launching a focused inspection campaign...

Mental health resources

Published 22/07/2020

We have put together a list of resources to help seafarers.

APL England incident update

Published 10/07/2020

On the 24th of May 2020 the container ship APL England enroute from China to Melbourne experienced...

Supporting your crew

Published 08/07/2020

Ensuring good mental health is not merely a matter for the individual. It’s your responsibility to...