News and media releases

Discover the latest developments and news updates from AMSA.

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

Container weight rules for safe and clean seas

Published 10/06/2016

From July 1, 2016, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will implement changes to regulations for container weight verifications in the shipping industry

AMSA investigating Bowen vessel capsize

Published 27/05/2016

On May 25, a commercial fishing vessel capsized approximately 4 kilometres off Bowen in Queensland with three crew on board.

Joint media release: AMSA and Tangaroa Blue working together for clean seas

Published 06/05/2016

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Tangaroa Blue Foundation (Tangaroa Blue) have joined forces to prevent marine debris from ships.

Five rescued after beacon activation near Kangaroo Island

Published 14/04/2016

Five people were rescued from an upturned boat after a beacon activation sparked a search and rescue operation coordinated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on Wednesday evening.

Search for missing pilot suspended

Published 08/04/2016

The search for a missing helicopter pilot, near Cape Tribulation in Queensland, has been suspended at last light today after an extensive search and following specialist medical survivability advice.

Search ends for missing pilot

Published 22/03/2016

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has been conducting a search for a light aircraft missing off the northern NSW coast. The search has now completed.

Commercial boat standards are for safety

Published 03/03/2016

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is urging owners of boats that may be made available for charter or hire for money, to comply with the standards that apply to commercial vessels.

Search resumes for missing aircraft near Katoomba

Published 28/02/2016

The search for an overdue light aircraft near Katoomba resumed this morning with ten aircraft.

Search underway for light aircraft near Katoomba

Published 27/02/2016

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is coordinating the search for an overdue light aircraft near the town of Katoomba in New South Wales.

Free safety workshops for commercial fishing vessels

Published 11/02/2016

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is hosting free workshops in Queensland to assist commercial fishing vessel owners to understand future regulatory changes.

Closing the Gap in the maritime industry

Published 10/02/2016

As Australia considers the 2016 Closing the Gap report, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is buoyed by recent progress made to close the gap in Australia’s maritime industries.

AMSA prohibits vessel from using Australian ports for second time

Published 07/02/2016

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has directed that the 86 metre general cargo ship Noah Satu (IMO9313620) not enter or use any Australian port for the second time in less than twelve months.

Four rescued from sinking yacht near King Island overnight

Published 04/02/2016

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has coordinated the rescue of four people on board a sinking yacht near King Island off the coast of Tasmania overnight.

AMSA to adopt the Large Yacht Code for super yachts

Published 03/02/2016

From March 1, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will adopt the Large Yacht Code for super yachts and training vessels of 24 metres or more in length in a first for the Australian yachting community.

Fishermen rescued in the Timor Sea

Published 13/01/2016

Four Indonesian fishermen were recovered from a makeshift life raft this morning, after eight days adrift in remote waters of the Timor Sea.

Local women leading the way in Torres Strait maritime safety

Published 09/12/2015

Two local women are breaking new ground in the maritime industry, in the Torres Strait region.

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.

October incident report

Published 30/11/2020

Read about the incidents reported to us in October.

The latest edition of AMSA Update is now available

Published 30/11/2020

Read the November AMSA Update

Heritage plan for the 1881 Montague Island lighthouse

Published 26/11/2020

We have prepared this plan to integrate the heritage values of the lightstation in accordance with the relevant Acts.

Maximum period of shipboard service for seafarers during COVID-19 pandemic

Published 26/11/2020

Marine notice 10/2020 supersedes 04/2020, outlining seafarer repatriation requirements during the pandemic.

September incident report

Published 25/11/2020

Read about the incidents reported to us in September.

Maritime mental health awareness training online

Published 23/11/2020

International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network are now offering Maritime Mental Health Awareness Training online.

Don’t wait to order your float-free EPIRB

Published 23/11/2020

Some domestic commercial vessel operators have advised that they are having difficulties in procuring a float-free EPIRB.

New National Safety Committee focuses on safer vessels and operations

Published 16/11/2020

We have established a National Safety Committee, bringing together a network of peak bodies and industry representatives from across the maritime sector to focus on improving safety outcomes nationally.

Rottnest Island Lighthouse shines bright on World AtoN Day

Published 29/06/2022

Rottnest Island’s iconic and much-loved lighthouse is in the spotlight today to celebrate World...

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

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...

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...

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

AMSA bans Barkly Pearl from Australian waters for 24 months

Published 08/01/2021

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has issued its most severe banning to date to the master...

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...

Solo yachtsman saved by personal locator beacon on life jacket

Published 05/01/2021

A joint operation between the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Northern Territory...

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.