News and media releases

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

Beacon key in Tasmanian search and rescue

Published 27/02/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the search and rescue of two people on board a recreational vessel, which ran aground near Cape Barren in Tasmania.

Search concludes for overdue aircraft in North Queensland

Published 11/02/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has concluded the search for the missing pilots of two overdue ultralight aircraft south of Townsville.

Updated disposal options for unwanted beacons

Published 05/02/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is urging owners of emergency beacons to dispose of their unwanted beacons correctly.

AMSA bans vessel from Australian ports for 12 months

Published 31/01/2015

For the first time, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned a vessel from entering or using any port in Australia for 12 months.

National Domestic Surveyor Accreditation Scheme now in place

Published 29/01/2015

Domestic marine surveyors will now be accredited under a national system run by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

AMSA leading program to strengthen search and rescue capabilities in Indian Ocean region

Published 27/01/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) commenced its Search and Rescue (SAR) Capability Partnership Program this week with counterpart agencies in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius.

Disabled vessel under tow by Gladstone tug

Published 13/01/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) continues to coordinate the response to a general cargo vessel experiencing mechanical issues near the Great Barrier Reef.

AMSA Update: Towline established for disabled vessel in Qld

Published 12/01/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is coordinating the response to a general cargo vessel, experiencing mechanical issues near the Great Barrier Reef.

AMSA responding to disabled vessel in Queensland

Published 12/01/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responding to a general cargo vessel, experiencing mechanical issues near the Great Barrier Reef.

AMSA bans third vessel from Australian ports

Published 09/01/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a direction to Indonesian flagged multipurpose ship MV Meratus Sangatta (IMO 9116797) not to enter or use any port in Australia for three months.

100 per cent success rate for students in latest fishing operations course

Published 23/12/2014

All 12 Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal participants of the latest seafood industry course offered as part of the Torres Strait Maritime Pathways Project (TSMPP) have successfully completed the five week course.

Four people rescued from yacht in NSW

Published 12/12/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has coordinated the rescue of four people from a yacht, about 14 nautical miles east of Evans Head in New South Wales.

Busy weekend for Search and Rescue: AMSA coordinates rescue of 12 people

Published 01/12/2014

AMSA Search and Rescue coordinated the search and rescue of 12 people across the country yesterday.

IMO-adopted shipping routes in effect from next week

Published 28/11/2014

A two-way shipping route in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and Torres Strait has been formalised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and will be in effect from 1 December 2014.

Two-way shipping routes to be introduced at Jomard Entrance, Papua New

Published 26/11/2014

A new ship routeing system will come into effect on 1 June, 2015 at Papua New Guinea’s Jomard Entrance.

AMSA bans repeat offender from Australian ports

Published 25/11/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a direction to Indonesian flagged container ship Territory Trader (IMO 8812899) not to enter or use any port in Australia for three months.

AMSA update July edition

Published 30/07/2019

Catch up on maritime news this month.

People in maritime—Justine Arnold

Published 30/07/2019

Another article in our series of people in maritime. This time we talk to marine scientist Justine Arnold.

Reviewing our approach to how we develop standards for domestic commercial vessels

Published 23/07/2019

To ensure standards remain fit for purpose for the domestic industry, we are reviewing our approach to setting standards.

People in maritime—Dr Kirsten Abernethy

Published 18/07/2019

We have published another article in our series of people in maritime.

Have your say on managing the risk of fatigue

Published 18/07/2019

Are you concerned about fatigue while working at sea?

e-Navigation Underway 2019 Asia-Pacific—an annual regional conference

Published 17/07/2019

The 2019 e-navigation Underway Asia-Pacific Conference is being held from 2-3 September 2019

Reduce your impact on the marine environment

Published 15/07/2019

The marine environment is a precious natural asset.

Grand dame celebrates 160 years

Published 15/07/2019

Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse, one of Australia’s magnificent heritage light stations still in operation, turns 160 years old today.

Australian Autonomous Vessel Forum 2019

Published 10/07/2019

We want to talk to people about the regulation of autonomous and remotely operated vessels, and invite industry input at our national forum on 19–20 September 2019.

Our new Diversity and inclusion plan 2019–22

Published 08/07/2019

Our new Diversity and inclusion plan 2019–22 outlines our commitment to increase workforce diversity and inclusion to maximise employee wellbeing and productivity going forward.

People in maritime

Published 04/07/2019

We’re rolling out stories from people who are making a difference at our new People in maritime page.

Cargo ship heading away towards the middle of the ocean

World Marine AtoN Day (1 July) shines light on future of Australia’s navigation services

Published 01/07/2019

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is using World Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Day to highlight the emerging trends and drivers that will influence navigation services in our waters over the next decade.

Shining a light on modern AtoNs

Published 01/07/2019

Long before Australia’s earliest lighthouse was built at Vaucluse, NSW in 1818, European mariners were guided by onshore fires lit to navigate their ships to safety.

People looking out from the shore at Port Moresby and a containment boom

AMSA update June edition

Published 01/07/2019

Catch up on maritime news this month.

SMS Workshops—Bermagui location now open for registrations

Published 27/06/2019

Register now for Bermagui or for future workshops in your region.

lighthouse and aid to navigation pictured against the sky

Visit a lighthouse on World AtoN Day

Published 24/06/2019

Lighthouse enthusiasts can mark World AtoN Day by paying a visit or touring a spectacular historic lighthouse this weekend.

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...

AMSA’s Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) service

Published 29/11/2019

On 1 July 2020, AMSA will discontinue its Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) service.

Fishing boat on the ocean in front of sunset

October incident report

Published 28/11/2019

The October incident report has been published.

Warning—unauthorised certification services on behalf of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica

Published 26/11/2019

We have become aware that an Australian-based individual is offering unauthorised registration and...

Have your say on lighthouse heritage management

Published 26/11/2019

We have many wonderful lighthouses in Australia and our role at AMSA is to make sure they are...

Queensland dory safety workshops come to Bowen

Published 19/11/2019

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is hosting free safety workshops in Queensland next...

Queensland dory safety workshops come to Cairns

Published 19/11/2019

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is hosting free safety workshops in Queensland next...

Queensland dory safety workshops come to Cooktown

Published 19/11/2019

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is hosting free safety workshops in Queensland next...

Queensland dory safety workshops come to Gladstone

Published 19/11/2019

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is hosting free safety workshops in Queensland next...

Queensland dory safety workshops come to Mackay

Published 19/11/2019

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is hosting free safety workshops in Queensland next...

AMSA joins forces with Queensland to improve safety for dory fishing operations

Published 14/11/2019

Authorities are joining forces to improve commercial line fishing operations that use tenders, or...

Where’s your tender—it’s your responsibility to stay in touch!

Published 13/11/2019

It is the responsibility of the parent vessel to know where their dories or tenders are at all...

International mariners learning the ropes

Published 07/11/2019

Maritime agencies from the Asia Pacific and Indian Oceania regions joined AMSA for a two-week...

Search and rescue incidents 2018-19

Published 04/11/2019

Our search and rescue centre responds to search and rescue incidents throughout Australia.

Working Boats issue 17—Women in maritime—is now available

Published 24/10/2019

The October 2019 edition showcases women working in different roles across the maritime industry,...

Image of Hon. George Brandis QC and the Secretary General of the IMO, Mr Kitack with donation for IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme

Australia donates $30,000 to the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme

Published 18/10/2019

Australia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the Hon. George Brandis QC, has presented a...

Image of domestic commercial vessel dory/tender operations

Spotlight on dory boat safety

Published 18/10/2019

Queensland dory operators are invited to attend free safety management workshops in Cooktown,...