News and media releases

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

Celebrate 140 years of the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Published 16/11/2015

It's the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse's 140th birthday and you're invited to join in the celebrations.

Darwin man lucky to be rescued after using obsolete beacon

Published 11/11/2015

A Darwin boatie was lucky to be rescued on Tuesday after using an obsolete 121.5 MHz distress beacon no longer detected by satellite.

Search continuing for overdue helicopter

Published 09/11/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is continuing the search for three people, on board an overdue helicopter, throughout the evening and overnight.

Search underway for overdue helicopter

Published 09/11/2015

AMSA Search and Rescue is coordinating the search for an overdue helicopter believed to be on a trip between Breeza (South west of Tamworth) and Northern Sydney.

Wreckage found in search for overdue helicopter

Published 09/11/2015

The wreckage of a Eurocopter helicopter with three people on board has been located south of Cessnock.

Emergency towage vessel capabilities practiced on water

Published 29/10/2015

The waters off Townsville in North Queensland will be a hive of activity this week as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) runs a series of training exercises.

AMSA assists in successful search for kite surfers

Published 28/10/2015

A pair of kite surfers reported overdue off the West Australia coast last night were located safe with the assistance of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Volunteers recognised with Australian Search and Rescue award

Published 15/10/2015

Volunteers from Port Stephens have been awarded the 2015 Australian Search and Rescue Award for their bravery.

Beacon key to search for light plane crash in remote WA

Published 03/10/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is coordinating a search and rescue following a light plane crash in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.

Beacon registration is now mobile

Published 23/09/2015

Beacon owners now have more choice with an improved online beacon registration system.

AMSA bans vessel from Australian ports for three months

Published 21/09/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned an Indonesian flagged general cargo ship from entering or using any port in Australia for three months.

Joint media release: Injured motorbike rider rescued after activating distress beacon

Published 18/09/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Western Australia Police joined forces yesterday afternoon to rescue an injured motorbike rider south west of Kalgoorlie.

Poison canister warning

Published 17/09/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is warning members of the public of the potential dangers posed by toxic canisters that have been reported washing up on Australian beaches.

AMSA detains ship for Maritime Labour Convention breaches

Published 10/09/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has detained the Panama flagged bulk carrier MV Apellis after an inspection revealed a number of deficiencies relating to the working conditions of the crew.

Proper registration assists in the successful rescue of three

Published 03/09/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the successful rescue of three men yesterday afternoon who activated a distress beacon when their vessel experienced mechanical issues near Cape Cleveland in Queensland.

More flexible rules for first aid supplies on domestic commercial vessels

Published 05/08/2015

If you are operating in Class C, C Restricted, D or E waters, and are required to meet the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part C7A (Safety Equipment), you now have flexibility to determine the type and quantity of first aid supplies that are appropriate for your operation.

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 Maritime Professional Development Program this last month.

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, and looks at growing opportunities for women to embark on a career in maritime.

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 cheque for $30,000 to the International Maritime Organization for the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme.

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, Cairns, Bowen, Mackay or Gladstone next month.

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).

New Mariner’s Handbook now online

Published 11/10/2019

The Australian Hydrographic Office has published the new Mariner’s Handbook for Australian Waters and it is now available online.

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 metres, using AMSA’s Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system.

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 distress and safety communications in Australia on 1 January 2022.

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 of change in the maritime industry.

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 following last week’s Australian Autonomous Vessel Forum in Canberra.

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 Community'.

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?

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 many vessels from 1 January 2021, including vessels less than 12 metres without level flotation operating in Offshore (B) or Restricted Offshore (C) waters.

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 internationally.

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 embarking and disembarking a vessel, including the crew who rig them.

October incident report

Published 30/11/2020

Read about the incidents reported to us in October.

New 'Stow it, don’t throw it' sticker is now available

Published 26/02/2020

All waste is harmful in the marine environment.

Incident report for January 2020

Published 18/02/2020

Eleven serious incidents were reported to us during January.

Collaboration brings maritime safety improvements

Published 17/02/2020

Authorities and industry education are collaborating to help improve the safety of commercial...

Restoring Breaksea lighthouse

Published 13/02/2020

We are responsible for the maintenance and repair of lighthouses across Australia.

Collaboration brings FNQ maritime safety improvements

Published 13/02/2020

Authorities and industry education are collaborating to help improve the safety of commercial...

Sulphur 2020—Carriage ban implemented from 1 March 2020

Published 11/02/2020

From 1 March 2020, all vessels are banned from carrying fuel oil with a sulphur content greater...

University scholarships for 2020

Published 11/02/2020

Applications close in late February for our scholarships for courses related to maritime employment...

Yang Ming ship arrested for pollution debt

Published 09/02/2020

The sister ship of the YM Efficiency, which lost 81 shipping containers off the coast of Newcastle...

AMSA update—January 2020 edition

Published 03/02/2020

Read our first edition of AMSA update for 2020.

People in maritime—Mohammed Taslim

Published 30/01/2020

Read another inspiring story from our people in maritime series

Working Boats issue 18—Innovation and resourcefulness

Published 28/01/2020

Working Boats is a quarterly magazine about Australia’s commercial maritime industry.

People in maritime—Hulita Lamasialeva Fa’anunu’s

Published 17/01/2020

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

Master convicted after failing to report main engine breakdown without delay

Published 16/01/2020

The master of a ship has been convicted after failing to report without delay a main engine...

December incident report

Published 15/01/2020

Eleven serious incidents were reported to us during December 2019.

Operation recovery—YM Efficiency community meetings

Published 13/01/2020

If you’re interested in learning more about how the YM Efficiency shipping containers will be...

People in maritime—Middleton Kirwasi Gwaday

Published 08/01/2020

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