News and media releases

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

Beacon registration going mobile from 15 September 2015

Published 03/08/2015

Beacon owners have more choice with an improved online beacon registration system from 15 September 2015.

Joint media release: Northern Territory Marine Safety Initiative Underway

Published 28/07/2015

In an exciting first for Indigenous boat owners and operators, the Northern Territory and Australian Governments are working together to implement the Northern Territory Indigenous Maritime Safety Initiative (NTIMSI).

Master and Owner found guilty of illegal garbage disposal in the Great Barrier Reef

Published 22/07/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has successfully prosecuted the master and owners of the Hong Kong registered bulk carrier ANL Kardinia for illegally dumping garbage in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Lifejacket donations to boost marine safety in the Torres Strait

Published 10/07/2015

Marine safety in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula area is getting a boost with the donation of 1400 children’s lifejackets as part of the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program (TSMSP) School Based Maritime Safety Education Project.

Ocean rowers successfully rescued off WA coast

Published 08/07/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority coordinated the rescue of two ocean rowers on a voyage from Geraldton to Mauritius.

100 years of Australian lighthouses, 1 July 1915 to 1 July 2015

Published 01/07/2015

On this day, 100 years ago, the Commonwealth of Australia officially accepted responsibility from the state and territory governments for all lighthouses around Australia.

AMSA visit to strengthen Indian Ocean search and rescue capability

Published 30/06/2015

Representatives from Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius are in Australia working with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to strengthen search and rescue capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.

New light source in heritage lens for Split Point Lighthouse

Published 17/06/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will shortly install a new light source at Victoria’s heritage listed Split Point Lighthouse.

AMSA General Manager elected Chairman of International Maritime Safety Committee

Published 12/06/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Navigation Safety and International Relations General Manager Brad Groves has been elected as Chairman of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee for 2016.

Shipping companies and masters prosecuted for marine pollution

Published 10/06/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has prosecuted two shipping companies and their masters for two separate marine pollution incidents within the Great Barrier Reef.

Three people rescued in 10 days from Larapinta Trail

Published 03/06/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is encouraging hikers heading out on the Northern Territory’s Larapinta Trail to ensure they are well prepared for the challenging conditions after three rescues in the past 10 days.

Emergency towage vessel capabilities tested in on water exercises

Published 29/05/2015

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

New qualifications for crews of commercial motor yachts

Published 20/05/2015

Four new certificates of competency for seafarers working on commercial motor yachts will be introduced in Australia from early 2016.

Outcomes from the 68th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee

Published 19/05/2015

The 68th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) was held in London last week.

Works underway at Cape Byron Lighthouse

Published 12/05/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is currently undertaking renovation and upgrade works at the Cape Byron Lighthouse in New South Wales.

Solo yachtsman rescued in Whitsundays after yacht sinks

Published 10/05/2015

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has coordinated the rescue of a solo sailor this morning after he activated a distress beacon when his yacht sank in the southern Whitsundays.

SMS Workshops—Bermagui location now open for registrations

Published 27/06/2019

Register now for Bermagui or for future workshops in your region.

lighthouse and aid to navigation pictured against the sky

Visit a lighthouse on World AtoN Day

Published 24/06/2019

Lighthouse enthusiasts can mark World AtoN Day by paying a visit or touring a spectacular historic lighthouse this weekend.

Outcomes of consultation on short term marina accommodation (Exemption 27)

Published 20/06/2019

Outcomes of consultation on short term marina accommodation.

Exercise Torres 2018 cleans up

Published 19/06/2019

Australia is home to some of the world’s most sensitive marine areas—the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.

Ship in the middle of the ocean in front of a sunset with smoke billowing out

Beat air pollution on World Environment Day

Published 04/06/2019

Did you know that a reduction in the sulphur content of ship fuel will prevent 570,000 premature deaths worldwide from 2020-2025?

Survey on electronic chart systems now open

Published 31/05/2019

Have you used Electronic Charting Systems for vessel navigation?

AMSA Update May edition

Published 31/05/2019

Find out what’s been happening at AMSA this month.

Coastal volunteers making a world of difference

Published 23/05/2019

As the world’s biggest island nation, Australia is custodian of 60,000 kilometres of magnificent coastline.

Volunteer rescuers making a world of difference

Published 23/05/2019

When AMSA receives a distress call we look to see what assets are best placed to respond quickly.

Call for beacon collection and disposal opportunities

Published 23/05/2019

We are seeking businesses to contribute to a national service for distress beacon collection and disposal.

SMS Workshops—making your SMS work for you

Published 20/05/2019

For owners, operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels who want to improve and build on their safety management system.

Stay alert for phone scams

Published 20/05/2019

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

Nominate for the 2019 Australian Search and Rescue Awards

Published 16/05/2019

Andrew Self is no stranger to displaying courage and bravery by risking his own life to save others.

AMSA attends 20th APHoMSA and Korea Maritime Week 2019

Published 03/05/2019

The 20th session of the Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) forum was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea from 14–17 April 2019.

Working boats issue 15 is now available

Published 30/04/2019

Safety, sustainability and environment.

AMSA update April edition

Published 30/04/2019

Have you read our latest newsletter?

APL England incident update

Published 10/07/2020

On the 24th of May 2020 the container ship APL England enroute from China to Melbourne experienced...

Have your say—Safety of navigation and radio equipment

Published 04/09/2019

We want your feedback on proposed changes to safety of navigation and radio equipment.

Have your say—Vessel reporting systems

Published 04/09/2019

We want your feedback on proposed changes to vessel reporting systems.

AMSA update August edition

Published 02/09/2019

Catch up on maritime news this month.

More SMS Workshop locations announced

Published 28/08/2019

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

Have your say—safety on passenger vessels

Published 26/08/2019

Over the next eight weeks we want to hear what you think about enhancing safety management on...

Fishing for safety video release

Published 22/08/2019

We are pleased to announce the official release of the video Fishing for Safety: Creating a Safety...

People in maritime—Senior Constable Jodie Rowell

Published 22/08/2019

For this edition of people in maritime, we talk to Senior Constable Jodie Rowell.

July incident report

Published 19/08/2019

Nine serious incidents were reported during July 2019.

People in maritime—Megan Arnott

Published 19/08/2019

Another article in our series of people in maritime. This time we talk to Megan Arnott who started...

Tender process starts for YM Efficiency container salvage operation

Published 09/08/2019

AMSA has taken the next step in the ongoing battle to clean-up containers lost overboard from the...

Tender now open for YM Efficiency salvage

Published 09/08/2019

Preparations are underway to secure a contract for recovery of containers that fell overboard...

Opening of our Coffs Harbour office

Published 09/08/2019

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael...

IMO Secretary-General visits Australia

Published 07/08/2019

We were honoured last week to host a visit from Mr Kitack Lim, the International Maritime...

Tender operations

Published 07/08/2019

There are special arrangements for vessels which meet the definition of ‘tender’ under the national...

Have your say—proposed changes to domestic commercial vessel seafarer certificates

Published 05/08/2019

We want your feedback on proposed changes to Australian near coastal seafarer certificates.

Register for an SMS Workshop—locations across the country

Published 01/08/2019

Register now for a safety management system (SMS) workshop.