News and media releases

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

Catamaran capsize off the Newcastle coast

Published 11/07/2019

AMSA has completed search and rescue operations following the capsize of a catamaran in rough seas off Newcastle with five people on board, including a teenage girl.

AMSA detains ship for Maritime Labour Convention breaches

Published 28/03/2019

AMSA has detained the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Anna Elisabeth after an inspection revealed a number of deficiencies relating to the working conditions of the crew under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.

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 detention this afternoon after the vessel completed a sea trial within the Port of Portland.

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 Carriage of Livestock (ACCL) for the Panamanian flagged livestock carrier, MV Jawan, because the vessel’s approved stability data cannot be relied upon when the vessel is loaded.

AMSA to deploy drones to assess YM Efficiency containers

Published 09/11/2018

On Thursday, 8 November, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) signed a contract to commence operations with Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROUVs) to investigate the containers lost from the YM Efficiency.

Paramedic winches injured woman out of the cave

Rescue of solo yachtsman Abhilash Tomy in the Indian Ocean

Published 01/11/2018

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received confirmation that the French fisheries patrol vessel, FPV Osiris successfully located and rescued Abhliash Tomy who is reported to be in a stable condition.

23 October Townsville four men rescued from life raft

Four men rescued at night after sinking off Townsville

Published 25/10/2018

In the early hours of Sunday morning, 23 October, AMSA coordinated the rescue of four people from their sinking vessel about 90 kilometres north-east of Townsville.

Rescue of French solo yachtsman, Indian Ocean

Published 23/10/2018

AMSA coordinated the search and rescue operation for a French solo yachtsman in the Indian Ocean approximately 1300 kilometres south west of Perth, Western Australia.

Update on rescue of solo yachtsman Abhliash Tomy in the Indian Ocean

Published 25/09/2018

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received confirmation that the French fisheries patrol vessel, FPV Osiris successfully located and rescued Abhliash Tomy who is reported to be in a stable condition.

Search for solo yachtsman Abhilash Tomy in the Indian Ocean

Published 24/09/2018

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is coordinating a multi-national search and rescue response after being notified of injured solo yachtsman Abhilash Tomy.

Float-free EPIRBs mandatory from January 2021

Published 26/07/2018

From 1 January 2021, float-free emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) will be mandatory on certain types of commercial vessel.

Cargo ship rescues two Australians from stricken yacht

Published 23/07/2018

The Singapore-flagged cargo ship IVS Phinda has rescued two Australian sailors this morning 370 kilometres north of Darwin.

Bulk carrier banned for underpaying crew

Published 12/07/2018

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier MV Shandong Hai Wang for 12 months after it was discovered that crew had been deliberately underpaid.

MV Tobin at Yamba New South Wales in June 2018

Two arrested in Yamba and charged for operating an unseaworthy and substandard vessel

Published 29/06/2018

AMSA inspectors boarded the Australian-flagged MV Tomin in the Port of Yamba, New South Wales, on Monday and detained the vessel because AMSA suspected the vessel to be unseaworthy, substandard and a threat to the marine environment.

Ship garbage recycling pilot wraps up at Port of Brisbane

Published 20/06/2018

A pilot project to investigate the feasibility of recycling garbage from international ships has wrapped up at the Port of Brisbane. The Brisbane pilot was conducted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (Agriculture) and Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL).

Cargo ship Thorco Luna banned from Australian ports

Published 08/06/2018

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the Philippines-flagged cargo ship Thorco Luna after it was detained for a third time this year for consistently failing to meet international standards.

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Australia Bay Seafoods puts safety first with float-free EPIRBs

Published 18/09/2020

Australia Bay Seafoods General Manager and career fisherman Michael O’Brien, talks to us about how the tragic loss of life with the capsizing of FV Dianne and FV Cassandra prompted them to reinforce their approach to safety.

August detention list

Published 17/09/2020

Our ship detention list for August 2020 is available.

AMSA update—September 2020 edition

Published 15/09/2020

Read our September edition of AMSA update.

Latest Maritime Safety Awareness Bulletin addresses mental health and wellbeing

Published 15/09/2020

The situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted seafarer mental health and wellbeing significantly around the globe.

Equipment lists for small commercial fishing vessels

Published 11/09/2020

We have listened to feedback that current commercial safety equipment standards may be impractical for some vessels.

National Safety Committee—expressions of interest are open

Published 31/08/2020

We invite peak bodies and industry associations to express their interest in becoming a member of the National Safety Committee for domestic commercial vessels.

Unseaworthy ship banned from Australian waters

Published 28/08/2020

Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship BBC Rio, operated by JP Alliance Ship Management, has this week been banned from Australian ports for three months for serious and repeated safety and pollution prevention related failures.

Marine Safety Inspector on a vessel with a seafarer

National Compliance Plan 2020-2021

Published 25/08/2020

New compliance plan outlines what AMSA will be looking for over coming year.

Seeking Submissions: Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention

Published 14/08/2020

Seeking responses from interested stakeholders to the recently released discussion paper on the Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention.

Improving safety together—first annual report of DCV incidents

Published 13/08/2020

Marine incidents can result in loss of income, loss of reputation, or worse—loss of life.

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 and the marine environment.

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 certainty.

Seafarers happiness index survey

Published 06/08/2020

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

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.

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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...

Don’t wait—high demand anticipated in 2021 and 2022 for STCW training courses and medical fitness

Published 02/11/2020

Due to amendments to the STCW Convention in 2017, over 10,000 AMSA issued STCW certificates will be...

Every passenger counts—online information sessions

Published 27/10/2020

The new requirements for passenger vessels came into effect on the 31 May 2020.

Watch the video now—Every passenger counts

Published 21/10/2020

The new requirements for passenger vessels came into effect on the 31 May 2020. You can now watch a...

Marine incident data helping to improve maritime safety

Published 20/10/2020

We compile summaries of the vessel incidents that have been reported to us.

AMSA safety alert— Float-free EPIRBs—New requirements commencing 1 January 2021

Published 20/10/2020

This safety alert aims to raise awareness of the need for owners, operators, masters and crew of...

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...

New shipping forum focuses on future maritime outlook

Published 16/10/2020

We have announced the establishment of a national Shipping Consultative Forum

Some online application forms are temporarily unavailable

Published 06/10/2020

Some of our our online application forms are currently unavailable.

New and improved national system forms available now

Published 06/10/2020

We have listened to your feedback and made some changes to simplify and improve a number of our...

Safety—you've got to wear it

Published 02/10/2020

Lifejackets are your most important piece of safety equipment, but they only work if you’re wearing...

Safety—you've got to learn it

Published 01/10/2020

Just like on our roads, the use of boats and other vessels on the water demands that we abide by...

2020-21 Vessel Traffic Services award now open

Published 30/09/2020

Do you know a VTS center or staff member who has made an outstanding contribution to the safety of...

Safety—you've got to plan it

Published 30/09/2020

Planning your boating trip increases the safety and success of your activity on the water.

Safety—you've got to check it

Published 29/09/2020

Weather is a key factor in boating safety. Knowing what weather you are heading into is key for...

2020 Search and rescue awards

Published 29/09/2020

The winners of the 2020 Search and rescue awards have been announced.

Safety—you've got to pack it

Published 28/09/2020

Don’t forget to pack your safety equipment. It could save your life

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