News and media releases

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

Binned distress beacons result in costly search efforts

Published 07/02/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is urging beacon owners to ensure they dispose of their obsolete and unwanted beacons correctly after several beacons inadvertently activated, resulting in costly search operations over the holiday season.

Major contracts aim to protect reef and ensure swift response

Published 05/02/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has awarded two substantial new contracts to provide emergency towage services in Far North Queensland and maintain its aids to navigation network.

AMSA coordinates rescue of three men from yacht in Bass Strait

Published 04/02/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the rescue of three men from a yacht in Bass Strait last night.

Five winched to safety after Yeppoon search and rescue

Published 26/01/2014

A group of five people were winched to safety after their aluminium vessel capsized en route from Great Keppel Island to Yeppoon in Queensland on Australia Day.

Both Antarctic vessels making progress through ice

Published 08/01/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) was informed early this morning that both the Akademik Shokalskiy and the Xue Long have managed to break free from heavy ice in Commonwealth Bay, Antarctica.

US Coast Guard ice breaker to assist ships beset in ice in Antarctica

Published 05/01/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) has requested the US Coast Guard’s Polar Star icebreaker to assist the vessels MV Akademik Shokalskiy and Xue Long which are beset by ice in Commonwealth Bay.

Aurora Australis released from tasking in Antarctica

Published 04/01/2014

Xue Long’s attempt to manoeuvre through the ice early this morning was unsuccessful. Xue Long has confirmed to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) it is beset by ice.

Three people rescued off Tasmanian coast in rough seas overnight

Published 04/01/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the rescue of three people overnight in rough seas off the south west coast of Tasmania.

AMSA coordinates rescue of two people off West Australian coast

Published 04/01/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) coordinated the rescue of two men this afternoon near Perth.

Aurora Australis on standby as a precautionary measure

Published 03/01/2014

Xue Long notified AMSA at 1pm AEDT this afternoon it has concerns about their ability to move through heavy ice in the area.

Antarctica rescue operation now complete

Published 03/01/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) can confirm that the rescue operation from the Akademik Shokalskiy in Antarctica has been completed.

Rescue operations likely to commence shortly in Antarctica

Published 02/01/2014

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) was advised this morning by the MV Akademik Shokalskiy that weather conditions have improved in the area and rescue operations are likely to commence shortly by helicopter.

Helicopter to rescue passengers from Russian vessel in Antarctica

Published 31/12/2013

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) was advised this morning by the Aurora Australis that the ship will not be able to reach the MV Akademik Shokalskiy.

Aurora Australis continues towards Russian vessel in Antarctica

Published 30/12/2013

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) vessel Aurora Australis is continuing to make its way to the Russian vessel beset by ice approximately 1500 nautical miles south of Hobart.

Antarctic rescue: Update 5

Published 29/12/2013

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) vessel Aurora Australis is continuing to make its way to the Russian vessel beset by ice approximately 1500 nautical miles south of Hobart.

Antarctic rescue: Update 4

Published 28/12/2013

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is assessing options in response to a Christmas day distress call made by a Russian vessel beset by ice approximately 1500 nautical miles south of Hobart.

Update to exemption 07—temporary operations

Published 26/02/2018

Exemption 07 allows vessel owners to apply to AMSA to operate temporarily without a certificate of survey, certificate of operation or load line certificate.

It’s business as usual until 1 July 2018

Published 20/02/2018

From 1 July 2018, we will deliver most services under the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety. Until then it’s business as usual—you can continue accessing services from your local marine safety agency.

Simplifying the vessel survey regime

Published 31/01/2018

Following public consultation on options for a future approach to the domestic commercial vessel survey regime, AMSA released the final Regulation Impact Statement (RIS)—Survey under the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessels.

Float free beacon attached to the frame of a vessel

Consultation on float-free EPIRB changes closed Friday 2 February

Published 30/01/2018

We've extended the consultation period for a further six weeks until Friday 2 February 2018 on the proposal to mandate the use of float-free emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs).

Yacht crew rescued in Bass Strait

Published 16/01/2018

Six crew members were rescued from their racing yacht Hollywood Boulevard on Sunday 14 January 2018 about 150 kilometres east of Flinders Island in Bass Strait.

We wish you a happy and safe holiday season

Published 22/12/2017

Our offices will be closed for the holidays from Saturday 23 December 2017 to Monday 1 January 2018, reopening on 2 January 2018.

Read the December issue of AMSA Aboard

Published 21/12/2017

The December issue of AMSA Aboard is now available.

James Clement, Chief Operating Officer Mareterram Limited

Safety culture aboard trawlers

Published 20/12/2017

James Clement, Chief Operating Officer of Mareterram Limited, operates 10 prawn trawlers out of Carnarvon in Western Australia.

New survey category

Published 20/12/2017

From 1 January 2018, domestic commercial vessel (DCV) owners can make certain changes to their 'existing vessel' without having to meet all the standards that apply to a 'new vessel'. Eligible vessels will become a 'transitional vessel'.

Domestic vessel on a a lake facing towards you

Existing vessels transitioning to modern safety equipment standards

Published 20/12/2017

From 1 January 2018 owners of Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 domestic commercial vessels that are ‘existing vessels’ will start upgrading to contemporary safety equipment standards, as outlined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV).

Changes to machinery and fire safety standards

Published 20/12/2017

Machinery standards are changing to assist owners of new commercial vessels and those vessels undertaking significant modifications to be consistent with the national system standard. Fire safety standards are also changing so commercial vessels are consistent with current safety standards.

Crewing requirements for grandfathered passenger vessels

Published 20/12/2017

Exemption 28 has been extended from 1 January 2018 until 30 June 2018.

Domestic seafarer on a boat facing towards another white domestic vessel in the distance

Proposed subsidised cost recovery levy for the national system

Published 19/12/2017

The proposed levy model for the next five years is now available.

A left hand holds an iPad 2 with the beacon registration website on it; a right hand holds a GME beacon

Help us help you

Published 13/12/2017

Are you heading into the great outdoors this summer?

Our new website

Published 06/12/2017

We’ve redeveloped our website to make it easier for you to find the information you need.

Want the latest maritime safety information by email?

Published 06/12/2017

Sign up to receive our magazine and email updates.

National Search and Rescue Awards open for nominations

Published 08/04/2021

The National Search and Rescue Council Australian Search and Rescue Awards are open for nominations.

Prepare to survive: Know the five

Published 20/02/2019

Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) has partnered with AMSA to urge boaters and paddlers to carry a...

A Sailor’s Valentine

Published 14/02/2019

For sailors of old who were often out to sea for long periods of time, giving a gift on Valentine's...

New Queensland Coastal Passage Plan

Published 08/02/2019

AMSA has issued the latest Queensland Coastal Passage Plan (QCPP) that prepares vessels for transit...

Person in a spray painting suit spraying the hull of a vessel

Antifouling systems

Published 30/01/2019

Anti-fouling systems that contain organotin have been banned since 2008.

2019 Edition of the National Plan

Published 14/01/2019

The 2019 version of the National Plan for maritime environmental emergencies is now available.

December ship detentions

Published 14/01/2019

We detained six ships in December.

BOM’s Guidelines for weather safety for domestic commercial vessels

Published 04/01/2019

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) have worked with us to create weather safety advice for domestic...

Marine safety technology tracks spawning coral slicks

Published 02/01/2019

Marine science and safety shared a birds-eye view of a natural phenomenon on the Great Barrier Reef...

MV Jawan released from detention for repair voyage

Published 20/12/2018

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) released the livestock vessel MV Jawan from...

New marine notices

Published 20/12/2018

We have issued two marine notices this week. They concern limiting sulphur emissions in Sydney...

Group of people standing on the steps outside a building

Working Boats magazine issue 14 is now available

Published 18/12/2018

Driving positive change.

Phone scam alert

Published 13/12/2018

If you receive an automated call pretending to be from AMSA—it is a scam. We do not use automated...

Tell us what you think—electrical safety on board your vessel

Published 12/12/2018

To improve electrical safety on board, we are proposing a simplified set of standards to meet...

AMSA services over the Christmas holiday break

Published 12/12/2018

AMSA offices are closed during the period Tuesday 25 December 2018 to Tuesday 1 January 2019...

Have your say—alternatives to carrying a float-free EPIRB, for vessels less than 7.5 metres

Published 12/12/2018

We are seeking your feedback on alternative options to carrying a float-free EPIRB on domestic...

MV Jawan’s Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock revoked

Published 10/12/2018

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has revoked the Australian Certificate for the...