News and media releases

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Discover the latest developments and news updates from AMSA.

For media releases, please see the new AMSA Media Centre.

Media Release

AMSA assisting bulk carrier in Coral Sea

Published 19/05/2012

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Media Release

Industry eagerly awaiting domestic maritime reforms

Published 17/05/2012

Australia’s domestic commercial vessel industry is eagerly awaiting maritime reforms to be introduced in January 2013 following the completion of nation-wide community consultation on the proposed National System for Commercial Vessel Safety.

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Media Release

Ship prosecuted for dumping food waste in marine park

Published 10/05/2012

In the Townsville Magistrates Court on 30 April 2012 the Master and owners of the Antigua & Barbuda registered bulk carrier Pantanal each pleaded guilty to illegally dumping food waste in a prohibited discharge area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

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Media Release

Australian government steps in to remove Christmas Island shipwreck

Published 16/04/2012

The Australian Government has stepped in to remove the wreck of the MV Tycoon from the Port of Christmas Island.

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Media Release

100 years after the Titanic

Published 11/04/2012

On the night of 14 April 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean and sank early the next morning.

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Media Release

Strengthening search and rescue partnerships

Published 29/03/2012

Search and rescue officers from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) will be in Burnie on Thursday (today) to discuss operational aspects of Australia’s search and rescue system, present hypothetical situations and undertake tabletop exercises with Tasmania police officers.

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Media Release

AMSA locates missing aircraft

Published 20/03/2012

AMSA’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) has been conducting a search for an ultralight aircraft with two people onboard overdue on a training flight from Bundaberg in Queensland.

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Media Release

AMSA seeks public assistance in search for missing aircraft

Published 19/03/2012

AMSA’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) has been advised that a single engine low wing ultra-light aircraft has failed to return to Bundaberg airport after a training flight.

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Media Release

Australian government responds to Christmas Island oil spill

Published 09/01/2012

Yesterday, the general cargo vessel MV Tycoon broke its moorings in Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island. Severe weather has caused the vessel to founder today, spilling oil and phosphate very close to shore.

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Media Release

Under keel clearance management (UKCM) system declared operational in Torres Strait

Published 16/12/2011

An advanced web-based system for enhancing the safety of deep draught vessels transiting Torres Strait has been declared ‘operational’ by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

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Media Release

AMSA locates missing aircraft

Published 08/12/2011

AMSA’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) has been conducting a search for a light aircraft with one person onboard overdue on a flight from Roma to Dysart in Queensland.

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Media Release

AMSA seeks public assistance in search for missing aircraft

Published 08/12/2011

AMSA’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) has concerns for the safety of a pilot on board a light aircraft flying in the region of Roma, Queensland.

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Media Release

Ministerial media release: Australia's role in international shipping recognised by the IMO

Published 26/11/2011

Australia has been re-elected to second place on the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reflecting our role as a key voice in international shipping.

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Media Release

Tasmanian trio wins National Search and Rescue Award

Published 17/11/2011

Yesterday, the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR, joined members of the National Search and Rescue (SAR) Council in Adelaide to present the 2011 Australian SAR Award.

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Media Release

Oil spill risk assessment released

Published 01/11/2011

A new risk assessment report has been released today as part of a 10 yearly review of Australia’s National Plan and National Maritime Emergency Response Arrangements.

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Media Release

AMSA locates missing light aircraft

Published 18/08/2011

AMSA’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) has been conducting a search for a light aircraft with two people onboard in the region of Emerald, Queensland.

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AMSA update

AMSA update April edition

Published 30/04/2019

Have you read our latest newsletter?

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Cape naturalista lighthouse

Cape Naturaliste’s big reveal weeks away

Published 24/04/2019

Lighthouse restoration works includes full repaint

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hikers

Search and rescue exercise in the Cathedral Range state park

Published 23/04/2019

Last week, we organised a search and rescue exercise involving the rescue of a hiker.

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boats

Boat shows and maritime industry events for 2019

Published 18/04/2019

We hope to see you in 2019

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Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Youtube icons over graphic blue shapes

Connect with us on social media

Published 11/04/2019

Want to keep up to date with what is happening in the world of maritime safety? Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for daily updates.

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Bottom of the Port State control report 2018 cover. Collage of port photo and geometric designs.

Port State control Australia 2018 report

Published 02/04/2019

The 2018 PSC report demonstrates AMSA’s PSC regime is exerting a positive influence on the quality of vessels arriving in Australia.

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ships in the ocean

Changes to shipping registration legislation come into effect on 1 April 2019

Published 01/04/2019

Changes have been made to shipping registration laws and some of these changes may impact you.

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Hutchwilco lifejacket recall

Published 01/04/2019

Lifejacket manufacturer Hutchwilco is recalling its ‘Fisher Vest’ lifejacket.

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cape wickham lighthouse

Makeover for Australia’s tallest lighthouse

Published 25/03/2019

Work underway at King Island’s mighty Cape Wickham Lighthouse.

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satellite

GPS week counter rollover—6 April 2019

Published 20/03/2019

Now is a good time to check your system—particularly if it's an older one.

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LED lighting found to interfere with VHF-FM radio and AIS reception

Published 18/03/2019

The United States Coast Guard has sounded the alarm over the potential for light-emitting diode (LED) lighting on vessels to compromise reception on VHF frequencies used for radiotelephone, Digital Selective Calling and Automatic Identification System.

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International Women's Day 2019

Women in maritime

Published 08/03/2019

Women have made significant contributions to the maritime industry even though only representing two percent of the world's documented 1.2 million seafarers.

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Plastic bag floating in the ocean

Pollution and safety go hand in hand

Published 27/02/2019

Vessel owners and operators are the best people to assess the specific types of risks in their operation and work out the best way to address the risks.

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Top of Point Moore lighthouse after external painting with red and white stripes

Shining a light on Point Moore Lighthouse refurbishment

Published 22/02/2019

The distinctive red and white candy stripes of Geraldton’s iconic Point Moore Lighthouse are glistening brighter than ever from a fresh lick of paint ahead of an internal refurbishment.

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Keyboard with a comment key

Air emissions survey

Published 22/02/2019

We are conducting a survey to better understand air emissions from vessels in Australian waters and help with oil pollution emergency response planning.

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wooden boat in a clear blue sea

The Australian Wooden Boat festival

Published 20/02/2019

The biennial Australian Wooden Boat Festival is being held in Hobart, Tasmania from 8-11 February 2019.

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Have your say on changes to Marine Order 27

Published 04/09/2023

Have your say on proposed changes to Marine Order 27 – relating to safety of navigation and...

ship leaving port

Have your say—Draft 2019-20 Cost Recovery Implementation Statement

Published 15/10/2019

We want your feedback on AMSA’s draft 2019-20 Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS).

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Image of colleagues working below deck

New Mariner’s Handbook now online

Published 11/10/2019

The Australian Hydrographic Office has published the new Mariner’s Handbook for Australian Waters...

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ship leaving port

Increased maximum draught for bulk carriers and tankers transiting Torres Strait

Published 30/09/2019

Bulk carriers and tankers can now pass through Torres Strait with a maximum draught up to 12.5...

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Person using a maritime HF radio

Tell us what you think—maritime high frequency (HF) radiotelephone in Australia

Published 30/09/2019

We want your feedback on the proposal to cease high frequency (HF) radiotelephone monitoring of...

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Commodore Fiona Freeman and delegates at a recent AMSA forum

People in maritime—Commodore Fiona Freeman

Published 27/09/2019

When Commodore Fiona Freeman joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1988, women were on the precipice...

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Photo of Autonomous vessel forum speakers and delegates

Autonomous technology taking to the seas

Published 27/09/2019

Autonomous and remotely-operated vessel regulation is several steps closer to becoming a reality...

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Float-free EPIRB consultation outcome—alternative options for smaller vessels

Published 26/09/2019

It will be mandatory to carry a float-free emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) on...

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Hulita Fa’Anunu with Kitack Lim, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization

People in maritime—Hulita Fa’Anunu

Published 26/09/2019

Tongan student inspired to influence positive change for women in the maritime industry...

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World Maritime Day 2019

Published 26/09/2019

September 26 is World Maritime Day and this year’s theme is 'Empowering Women in the Maritime...

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fisherman putting on gloves

New dates and locations for SMS Workshops released

Published 26/09/2019

When was the last time you reviewed your vessel’s safety management system?

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Safe vessel access

Maritime Safety Awareness Bulletin—Issue 10: Safe vessel access is now available

Published 18/09/2019

Issue 10 focuses on how safe vessel access is essential for the safety of everyone involved in...

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Have your say—Safety and emergency arrangements

Published 16/09/2019

We want your feedback on proposed changes to safety and emergency arrangements.

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Media Release

Two bulk carriers banned from Australian ports in one day

Published 13/09/2019

In an unprecedented move, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has today banned two bulk...

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cape byron lighthouse

We want your feedback about Cape Byron lighthouse heritage management

Published 12/09/2019

Tell us what you think about our draft heritage management plan for the Cape Byron lighthouse.

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Media Release

Bulk carrier detained in Brisbane for unpaid wages

Published 11/09/2019

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has detained the Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier MV...

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natsar award winners

2019 Australian Search and Rescue Awards

Published 11/09/2019

We are pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the National Search and Rescue Council’s...

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