News and media releases

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

Seafarers return to pre-covid 19 contracts

Published 16/11/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has announced that from 28 February 2021 the interim COVID arrangements which have permitted seafarers to serve longer than 11 months on-board ships will end.

AMSA orders cargo ship Brio Faith to repatriate seafarers who have been onboard for up to 20 months with no leave

Published 05/11/2020

Nine Chinese and Filipino seafarers, some who have been on board their Panama-flagged cargo ship Brio Faith for 20 months with no leave, will be reunited with their families after an intervention by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

AMSA response to damaged ship to avoid environmental impacts

Published 03/11/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has successfully brought a damaged vessel into the Port of Geraldton.

Violent threats land unseaworthy tug boat owner in hot water

Published 19/10/2020

Anthony Roy Wolfe, the owner of MV Wallaroo – an unseaworthy, ex-navy tug boat – was convicted of hindering a Commonwealth public official in Cairns Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 13 October.

Ship banned for AUD $118,000 in unpaid crew wages

Published 17/09/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today banned the Panama-flagged bulk carrier AC Sesoda for deliberately underpaying its crew by more than AUD $118,000, which the ship’s operator attempted to conceal from authorities.

Commercial fishers asked for feedback on safety equipment requirements

Published 01/09/2020

The national regulator for commercial vessel operations in Australia, including commercial crabbers and bait fishers, is calling for industry feedback on a proposal to provide alternative safety equipment requirements for small fishing vessels operating in warm waters close to shore.

Australia bans bulk carrier Unison Jasper for underpaying seafarers

Published 29/08/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today banned the Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier Unison Jasper from Australian ports for six months.

Incident data helping to improve maritime safety

Published 14/08/2020

Release of the first domestic commercial vessel Annual Incident Report

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 commercial vessel unlawfully and fined $20,000 in the Southport Magistrates Court on Monday, 3 August 2020.

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 $15,000 in the Sydney Magistrates Court on 4 August 2020.

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 TW Hamburg from Australian ports for 12 months.

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 coordination of an incident involving a bulk carrier by the inaugural VTS award.

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 Agia Sofia from Australian ports for six months.

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 targeting cargo securing arrangements on container ships visiting Australian ports.

Ship Navios Unite loses three containers off Cape Leeuwin, WA

Published 26/06/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responding to an incident involving the loss of about three shipping containers from the Liberian-flagged container ship, Navios Unite.

APL England container loss – Update

Published 19/06/2020

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today released APL England to allow the ship to sail from Australia to undertake repairs in China.

AMSA update

Published 29/01/2021

The first AMSA Update edition for 2021 is available now.

Order your float-free EPIRB today

Published 27/01/2021

Stock of float-free EPIRBs is now available in Australia

December 2020 incidents

Published 22/01/2021

Read our full report of incidents that occurred in December.

Lastest edition of AMSA update

Published 20/01/2021

The latest edition of AMSA update is available now.

Focused inspection campaign—float-free EPIRBs

Published 19/01/2021

Over the period of 1 February to 30 April 2021, marine inspectors will be conducting an inspection campaign.

Modernising the standard for watertight and weathertight integrity on commercial vessels

Published 18/01/2021

Have your say on a new standard for watertight and weathertight integrity

Recommendations from the investigation into the loss of MV Conception

Published 08/01/2021

We have published a safety alert following the investigation into the loss of the passenger vessel Conception.

AMSA year in review 2020

Published 24/12/2020

Did you know we helped save the lives of 162 people in distress in 2020?

November incident report

Published 21/12/2020

Read about the incidents reported to us in November.

Don’t wait to order your float-free EPIRB

Published 18/12/2020

Additional stock of float-free EPIRBs continue to arrive in Australia.

Watch the webinar now—understanding the effects of COVID-19 on seafarers

Published 17/12/2020

The pandemic has prompted researchers and professionals around the world to assess the impact on the well-being of seafarers.

AMSA offices are closed during the period Friday 25 December 2020 to Friday 1 January 2021 inclusive.

Published 17/12/2020

We will reopen on Monday 4 January 2021.

December 2020 issue of Working Boats out now

Published 16/12/2020

Our final edition of Working Boats magazine delves into a key element of safety management—risk assessment and control.

November detention list

Published 16/12/2020

Our ship detention list for November 2020 is available.

Updated requirements for EPIRBs and lifejackets on some small vessels

Published 15/12/2020

We have updated requirements for vessels under 7.5 metres in length without level flotation that operate in open waters more than 2 nautical miles from land.

Webinar—Understanding the effects of COVID-19 on seafarers

Published 02/12/2020

We are holding a special research webinar on Thursday 10 December to discuss the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on seafarers.

New national guidelines for complex maritime emergencies

Published 16/04/2021

Complex maritime emergencies are a persistent threat to the global maritime environment, and those...

Survivor meets life-saving AMSA aircrew at Cairns

Published 24/02/2021

Yesterday, a solo sailor who was rescued after spending several hours alone in the ocean after...

Now available—seafarer certification guidance

Published 23/02/2021

We are pleased to advise that you can now download and print guidance for international...

Guilty plea and conviction for master of fatal Sydney cruise

Published 23/02/2021

The master of Sydney Harbour passenger vessel, Lady Rose, has pleaded guilty and been convicted of...

Focused inspection campaign for livestock ships

Published 22/02/2021

From 1 March to 31 August 2021, we will undertake a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on livestock...

Livestock ships under Australian inspection spotlight

Published 22/02/2021

The maintenance and operation of livestock ships exporting animals from Australia will be under the...

Four rescued after boat capsizes near Port Stephens

Published 18/02/2021

Four recreational spear fishers were rescued this morning after their 4.8 metre vessel capsized and...

Former South Australia police officer helps save maritime lives

Published 18/02/2021

Watch our video of Mark Jacobs who has joined AMSA as a search and rescue office.

Webinar on proposed standard for watertight and weathertight integrity

Published 16/02/2021

West Pilbara Port Welfare Association spreads Christmas cheer

Published 05/02/2021

In December AMSA staff in Karratha, along with 15 stakeholders and local businesses involved with...

Seafarers to return to pre-COVID-19 maximum period onboard

Published 03/02/2021

From 28 February 2021, the interim COVID arrangements which have permitted seafarers to serve...

AMSA assist Papua New Guinea in thirteen person rescue

Published 01/02/2021

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has helped save the lives of thirteen persons who had been...

AMSA update

Published 29/01/2021

The first AMSA Update edition for 2021 is available now.

Order your float-free EPIRB today

Published 27/01/2021

Stock of float-free EPIRBs is now available in Australia

December 2020 incidents

Published 22/01/2021

Read our full report of incidents that occurred in December.

Auditor-General report finds AMSA Search and Rescue contract management fully effective

Published 22/01/2021

The Auditor-General for Australia has found that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s...

Lastest edition of AMSA update

Published 20/01/2021

The latest edition of AMSA update is available now.