AMSA update—2022 editions

In this edition

• AMSA launches RAP for NAIDOC Week 2022
• Seafarer certificates processing delays
• Which lifejacket do I need?
• Risk assessments in the spotlight again
• What is a marine incident?
• Monthly incident reports

 

AMSA launches RAP for NAIDOC Week 2022

We are launching our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as part of the 2022 NAIDOC week program.

This is an important step forward in the agency’s diversity and inclusion work, and one which all employees will have the opportunity to be a part of. 

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2022 is Get up! Stand up! Show up!. AMSA’s RAP demonstrates the agency’s commitment to ‘standing up and showing up’. It is a map of how we will create opportunities for First Nations Australians and an inclusive agency for all Australians.

Read more

Seafarer certificates processing delays 

AMSA is currently experiencing delays in the processing of seafarer certificates due to high application volumes. We will endeavour to assist seafarers who have submitted an application and urgently require their seafarer certificates to work on board vessels.

If you require your seafarer certificate as a matter of priority, please contact AMSA Connect with the details of your application.

Contact us

Which lifejacket do I need? 

Gone are the days of feeling like you have a bulky piece of foam strapped to you with hard ropes.

These days, lifejackets come in many styles and sizes for different purposes and environmental conditions. Many remain compact and out of the way until you hit the water, with some inflating automatically.  

For commercial vessels, the national law requires you to be equipped with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) or coastal lifejackets, depending on your operational area.

Find out more about which lifejacket you need.

Risk assessments in the spotlight again

Following the success of an education campaign focused on proper risk assessments in construction barge operations, AMSA will shift its risk assessment focus to port towage and vessel transfer operations towards the end of this year. 

A lack of adequate risk assessments have been identified as a contributing factor in one third of marine incident investigation reports analysed to date.

Risk assessments are just one of a number of focus areas identified for the 2022-23 financial year, and outlined in AMSA’s National Compliance Plan which was released last month.  

View the National Compliance Plan 2022-23.

What is a marine incident?

Reporting incidents help us to respond quickly and efficiently to an incident when it occurs. Marine incidents are defined by various Australian laws and include a number of different types of incidents. 

A marine incident may include the following:  

•    Death or injury to a person related to the operation or navigation of a vessel.

•    Loss or presumed loss of a vessel.  

•    Collision of a vessel with another vessel. 

•    Collision by a vessel with an object. 

•    Grounding, sinking, flooding or capsizing of a vessel.  

•    Fire on board a vessel. 

•    Loss of stability of a vessel that affects the safety of the vessel.  

•    The structural failure of a vessel.  

•    Close quarters situation.  

•    Dangerous occurrence, which is an occurrence that could have caused the death of, or serious personal injury to, any person on the vessel. 

If in doubt, report the incident anyway. Your experiences help us develop improved safety education.

Read more about marine incidents.

Monthly incident reports

In June 2022, there were 74 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels. Of these, 16 were serious and 1 very serious.  

Read the full report

Every month we share an overview of a domestic commercial vessel incident investigation and the safety lesson you can learn to prevent a similar incident occurring on board your vessel.  

This month’s report examines an incident where a landing barge collided with a channel marker. 

Read the Safety Lessons from Marine Incident Investigation report. 

In this edition

• AMSA announces compliance focus areas for 22/23FY
• Day of the seafarer 2022
• Plastic-free July
• How to prevent inadvertent activations of your float-free EPIRB
• New online webinar on construction barge safety
• Order an incident reporting sticker for your vessel 
• Monthly incident reports

 

AMSA announces compliance focus areas for 22/23FY

Risk assessments on towage and vessel transfer operations in port limits, overdue periodic surveys, planned maintenance and changes in requirements for crew certification have been listed as compliance focus areas for AMSA over the 2022-23 financial year. 

These and more regional-specific focus areas targeting domestic commercial vessel operations have been outlined in AMSA’s third consecutive National Compliance Plan, released online on 1 July 2022. 

Informed by incident and inspection data, these focus areas aim to address emerging trends which present a risk to the safety of crew, passengers, vessels and protection of the marine environment. 

AMSA’s National Compliance Plan for 2022-23 features a strong emphasis on education, supported by inspection activities where appropriate. 

Read the full National Compliance Plan.

Day of the seafarer 2022 

Our voyage – then and now, share your journey 

Day of the seafarer, celebrated on Saturday 25 June, is an important day in maritime. Without seafarers we would not have a maritime sector, and our global and regional infrastructures and economies would look quite different, so Day of the Seafarer is an opportunity to appreciate the people making it possible. 

The theme of Day of the Seafarer this year gave us a chance to find out what resonates with seafarers now — whether it's the crew-change crisis being unresolved, connectedness with family and friends, the future of technology or something else. 

Read more

Plastic-free July 

It’s a crime to dump waste—including plastic waste and fishing gear—into the ocean. Operators can face significant fines for illegally dumping waste at sea. Help keep our seas clean by securing plastic objects on your vessels so they don’t end up in the water, and dispose of all plastic waste properly when you leave your vessel.  

You can also make a difference by reporting illegal dumping. If you see someone dumping plastic waste or other garbage. The following information can help AMSA investigate the incident: 

• vessel name 
• time, date and location of the incident (distance from land, GPS coordinates) 
• details of how much and what type of waste was dumped, and 
• other witnesses or vessels in the vicinity. 

Report illegal dumping of plastic waste or other substances to AMSA on 1800 641 792 (free call) or 02 6230 6811, or by visiting the AMSA website.   

Marine pollution reporting

How to prevent inadvertent activations of your float-free EPIRB

We have detected several inadvertent float-free EPIRB activations due to incorrect mounting, storage and washing down vessels.  

It is important to know how to avoid and what to do if your float-free EPIRB inadvertently activates.  

If your float-free EPIRB is accidentally activated you will notice the strobe light flashing and beeping, dry the water activation switch immediately and contact AMSA on 1800 641 792. There is no penalty for accidental activation.  

All Australian EPIRBs must be registered with AMSA. Registration is valid for two years after date of issue and must be renewed before its expiry date. Registration is free and can be completed online.  

Read more about float-free EPIRB installation and maintenance

New online webinar on construction barge safety

Following the success of workshops held around the country in March and May on construction barge safety, we have produced a new online webinar on this very topic.

If you missed-out on attending one of these workshops or you want a refresher, you can now watch the online webinar version by visiting the construction barge safety campaign hub on our website. 

Watch the webinar.

Order a sticker for your vessel

Reporting is essential to maritime safety as it helps paint a more informed picture of the risks affecting the industry.

By reporting, this helps us develop more effective safety guidance and advice for owners, operators, and crew to avoid similar occurrences in the future. 

To assist operators, a new sticker is available to display on your vessel to remind masters and crew about the importance of incident reporting. You can order a free ‘Don’t ignore it, report it’ sticker for your vessel using our online order form.  

Read more about marine incident reporting.

Monthly incident reports

There were 93 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in May 2022. Of these, 15 were serious and 5 very serious.      

Read the full report

Every month we share an overview of a domestic commercial vessel incident investigation and the safety lesson you can learn to prevent a similar incident occurring on board your vessel.  

This month’s report examines an incident where fatigue contributed to the grounding of a fishing vessel. 

Read the Safety Lessons from Marine Incident Investigation report.

In this edition

• Focus on the importance of marine incident reporting 
• Register your interest for AMSA user research
• 2022 Australian Search and Rescue Awards now open
• 18 May 2022 marked the first International Day for Women in Maritime
• Monthly marine incident reports

 

Focus on the importance of marine incident reporting  

Over the coming months, we will be focusing our attention on the importance of marine incident reporting.  

Incident reporting is essential to maritime safety as it helps give us a more informed picture of the risks affecting the industry. By reporting, you can help us develop more effective safety strategies and advice for owners, operators, and crew to avoid similar occurrences in the future.

To make things easier, we have made some changes to our website content and improvements to our incident reporting webforms 18 & 19 which will make reporting online easier.

Find out more about the importance of incident reporting.

Register your interest for AMSA user research  

Would you like to help AMSA improve the services we provide?

A few times a year, we invite people on this user research list to test new or improved products, services and content. Each round of research is different. We’ll invite you to take part in things like surveys, interviews, activity sessions and workshops. Joining the user research list doesn’t commit you to anything. You can accept or decline sessions based on your interest and availability at the time. Best of all, the feedback you provide helps us deliver a better service to all.

Join the user research list.

18 May 2022 marked the first International Day for Women in Maritime

This new annual event firmly establishes the participation of women in maritime as a key priority for the global maritime sector. It ensures we make progress each year to support female participation in the maritime industry. Much is being done globally and in Australia to achieve this. 

Learn more about our initiatives to promote and support women in maritime.

2022 Australian Search and Rescue Awards now open

The National Search and Rescue Council is pleased to announce nominations are now open for the 2022 Australian Search and Rescue Awards. 

These prestigious awards are in recognition of ‘Outstanding contribution to Search and Rescue’ within the Australian region during the period 1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022. 

The awards are open to groups, individuals or organisations that have made a significant contribution to search and rescue in Australia and deserve recognition at a national level.  

Nominations close 10 July 2022. 

Click her to nominate candidates and read more.

Monthly marine incident reports

Every month we share an overview of a domestic commercial vessel incident investigation and the safety lesson you can learn to prevent a similar incident occurring on board your vessel.  

This month’s report examines an incident where a passenger sustained an injury from poorly rigged gangway.

Read the Safety Lessons from Marine Incident Investigation report.  

There were 67 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in April 2022. Of these, 18 were serious.

Read the full report.

In this edition

• Every passenger counts—attend a passenger safety information session  
• How to prevent inadvertent activations of your float-free EPIRB
• Have your say on safety management
• New simplified risk assessment guide  
• SMS workshops in Port Stephens and Sydney
• Changes to temporary operations without a certificate of competency
• Building gender equality in the maritime sector
• Construction barge safety – workshops scheduled in May
• Monthly marine incident reports 

 

Every passenger counts—attend a passenger safety information session

We are running information sessions focusing on passenger safety and compliance with Marine Order 504. The sessions are open to all owners, operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels. This is not only an opportunity to learn about passenger headcount requirements but to learn more about safety management systems and ask questions of AMSA.

New South Wales sessions: 

• 9 May 16:30-18:30 – Coffs Harbour – AMSA office boardroom.
• 10 May 17:30-19:30 – Port Stephens – Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club.
• 12 May 16:00-18:00 – Sydney – Drummoyne Sailing Club.

Queensland sessions:

• 5 May 17:00-19:00 – Townsville – Coastguard Headquarters.

Please register to attend here.

How to prevent inadvertent activations of your float-free EPIRB  

We have detected several inadvertent float-free EPIRB activations due to incorrect mounting, storage and washing down vessels. 

It is important to know how to avoid and what to do if your float-free EPIRB inadvertently activates. 

Read more

Have your say on safety management

Do you own or operate a small commercial vessel? Tell us about your experience with developing and implementing a safety management system for your operation. You have a unique operation and practical experience gained over years of working on the water.

Below is a link to a survey which will help shape a future, simplified approach to safety management for small commercial vessel operators under the National Law.

We welcome your feedback

New simplified risk assessment guide

AMSA developed a new simplified risk assessment guide for small domestic commercial vessel operations such as net or line fishers, or tour guides. 

This guide will take you through four simple steps to identify the unique hazards of your operation, the risks associated with those hazards, how to control those risks, document and review them

Access the new simplified risk assessment guide here

SMS workshops in Port Stephens and Sydney

AMSA is running free workshops on safety management systems (SMS) for commercial fishers in Port Stephens on the 11th of May, and in Sydney on the 12th of May 2022. 

The workshops will explore the development and implementation of effective SMS for commercial fishing operations. 

An SMS is a tool to enhance operational safety through incident prevention and adaptation and help build safety culture among crew. It is also a legal requirement to have an SMS. 

Details for the workshops: 

9 May 9:00 -11:00 – Nelson Bay Bowling and Recreation Club, Nelson Bay.

12 May 9:00 -11:00 – Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport.

Register for the workshops online.

Changes to temporary operations without a certificate of competency

Eligible domestic seafarers can continue temporary operations for up to 90 days if they have completed training and assessment and applied for their CoC with AMSA. This will allow them to start performing the duties allowed under the certificate while they wait for it to be issued. 

Find out more

Building gender equality in the maritime sector

Studies show that investing in women is the most effective way to advance communities, companies, and even countries.

With women representing just 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce, AMSA is proud to proactively support an increase in female participation in the maritime industry.

With this aim in mind, AMSA is supporting the IMO’s inaugural International Day for Women in Maritime to be celebrated on 18 May this year.

Learn more

Construction barge safety – workshops scheduled in May 

We are running a safety education campaign focused on construction barge operations. Registrations are open for new workshops in Brisbane, Gladstone, Sydney and Fremantle in May. 

These workshops will be presented in partnership with the local workplace health and safety agency and anyone who owns, operates or works with construction barges is encouraged to come along.

Visit the campaign hub on our website where you will also find a range of practical advice and a printable risk assessment safety checklist.

Register now to attend.

Monthly marine incident reports

Every month we share an overview of a domestic commercial vessel incident investigation and the safety lesson you can learn to prevent a similar incident occurring on board your vessel.  

This month’s report examines an incident where a 15-metre landing barge capsized while transiting from Great Mackerel Beach to Pittwater north of Sydney. At the time of the incident, the landing barge was carrying a truck and four crew.

Read the Safety Lessons from Marine Incident Investigation report. 

In March 2022, there were 65 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels. Of these, 13 were serious and 1 very serious.

Read the full report

In this edition

• New campaign targets construction barge safety
• Every Passenger Counts—attend a passenger safety information session in NSW
• CLOSING SOON: Wheelhouse visibility, escape, accommodation, and personal safety requirements on domestic commercial vessels 
• Women in maritime
• Which lifejacket do I need?
• Now available—monthly marine incident reports

A new safety campaign focused on the importance of regularly reviewing risks to protect lives on construction barges has been launched. 

Find out more

Every Passenger Counts—attend a passenger safety information session in NSW 

Following discussion with the Commercial Vessels Association (CVA) NSW, we are running information sessions focusing on passenger safety and compliance with Marine Order 504. The sessions are open to all owners, operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels. This is not only an opportunity to learn about passenger headcount requirements but to learn more about safety management systems and ask questions of AMSA. 

The next sessions will be held in New South Wales.  

 9 May 16:30-18:00 – Coffs Harbour – AMSA office boardroom. 

10 May 17:30-19:00 – Port Stephens – Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club. 

12 May 16:00-18:00 – Drummoyne – Drummoyne Sailing Club. 

Please register to attend here.

We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) C1 which covers wheelhouse visibility, escape, accommodation, and personal safety. The changes aim to simplify the information making it easier to apply, and to better align C1 with current industry practices, international and national standards.  

Women in maritime

Now available—monthly marine incident reports

Every month we share an overview of a domestic commercial vessel incident investigation and the safety lesson you can learn to prevent a similar incident occurring on board your vessel.

This month's report examines an incident where a fishing vessel with a steering pump failure was hit by a large wave. This resulted in the master sustaining a head injury when he was hit by a hatch cover.

Each month we also report on the number and type of domestic commercial marine incidents reported to us. This information is broken down by state, vessel type and a description of the incident.

In February 2022, there were 76 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels. Of these, 24 were serious.

Read the Safety Lessons from Marine Incident Investigation report

Read the February incident report

In this edition 

• Have your say: standards for wheelhouse visibility, escape, accommodation and personal safety 
• CLOSING SOON: have your say on air pollution regulations 
• Lighthouses shine on milestone birthdays 
• Congratulations to the recipients of the DCN seafarer welfare award 
• Attend a passenger safety information session in New South Wales 
• Every passenger counts—focused inspection campaign 
• Wellness at Sea 
• New body worn camera technology benefits industry 
• Now available—monthly marine incident reports 

Have your say: standards for wheelhouse visibility, escape, accommodation and personal safety 

We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to the National Standard for Commercial Vessels C1 which covers wheelhouse visibility, escape, accommodation and personal safety. The changes aim to simplify the information making it easier to apply, and to better align C1 with current industry practices, international and national standards. 

The consultation closes on 24 April 2022. 

Learn more and have your say 

CLOSING SOON: have your say on air pollution regulations 

As part of global measures to reduce harmful emissions, Australian vessels must meet air emission requirements. Have your say on proposed changes to Marine Order 97 (Marine pollution prevention - air pollution) to clarify the rules around nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide and ozone depleting substance (for example certain refrigerants) emissions for Australian vessels.  

The consultation closes on 20 March 2022. 

Have your say now 

Lighthouses shine on milestone birthdays 

Several heritage lighthouses we manage have enjoyed milestone birthdays recently.  

Cape Moreton Lighthouse celebrated its 165th birthday on Valentines Day. The heritage lighthouse on Moreton Island in Queensland was first lit on 14 February 1857.  

The Breaksea Island Lighthouse in Western Australia also enjoyed its 120th anniversary. Standing 16m tall, the heritage lighthouse on Breaksea Island, near Albany, was first lit on 15 February 1902. 

And Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, which was decommissioned in the 1970s and converted to a museum celebrated its 150th birthday in January. We supported the local celebrations in Kingston SE in South Australia, which involved illuminating the light house with a kaleidoscope of colour.   

Learn more about lighthouses we manage 

Congratulations to the recipients of the DCN seafarer welfare award! 

On 17 February the Daily Cargo News hosted the Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards. Dr. Michelle Grech, AMSA's Manager Vessel Operations, presented the seafarer welfare award to two recipients Peter Ernst and Wayne Ashton. Peter and Wayne both played an integral part in the welfare of international seafarers in New South Wales, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing health crisis and we continue to recognise the impact it has on the maritime community. We have a range of resources on our website for both the international and domestic commercial vessel industries.  

Find out more 

Attend a passenger safety information session in NSW 

Following discussion with the Commercial Vessels Association (CVA) NSW, we are running information sessions focusing on passenger safety and compliance with Marine Order 504. The sessions are open to all owners, operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels. This is not only an opportunity to learn about passenger headcount requirements but to learn more about safety management systems and ask questions of the National Regulator. The next sessions will be held in New South Wales at the following locations: 
  
•    Sydney  
•    Port Stephens  
•    Coffs Harbour  

Register your interest now 

Every passenger counts—focused inspection campaign 

To support the regulations to keep passengers safe on domestic commercial vessels, we will be conducting a focused inspection campaign to assist operators ensure they are meeting the requirements.   

Marine inspectors will be conducting the campaign from the 1 February 2022 until 1 April 2022. This will happen in conjunction with their regular inspections on domestic commercial vessels that carry passengers.  

Read more about the inspections 

Wellness at sea 

AMSA is proud to partner with the Sailors’ Society to deliver wide-ranging wellbeing resources for seafarers, shore staff, and families through the Wellness at Sea program.   

Together we have already reached millions of seafarers, shore staff, and families globally who visited our AMSA website to download podcasts, posters, videos, reading lists and more.   

Seafarers face unique challenges keeping mentally and physically well which is why programs like Wellness at Sea are so important. A range of free resources to download and share are on the AMSA website. 

Read more 

New body warn camera technology benefits industry 

The roll-out of the latest body worn camera (BWC) technology to AMSA frontline staff Australia-wide continues. The technology is innovative and safety-focused providing greater transparency and protection for both the maritime industry and AMSA inspectors.   

We are joining other leading regulatory agencies in using this important equipment which will ensure an accurate record of events, as well as improve compliance and the quality of supporting evidence in the investigation of breaches of legislation.  

Learn more 

Now available—monthly marine incident reports 

Every month we share an overview of a domestic commercial vessel incident investigation and the safety lesson you can learn to prevent a similar incident occurring on board your vessel.   

This month’s report examines how the skipper of a recreational sailing vessel, under tow by Volunteer Marine Rescue, fell during rough conditions and landed heavily on another person. The person sustained a serious injury to their back, which required medical assistance.  

Each month we also report on the number and type of domestic commercial marine incidents reported to us. This information is broken down by state, vessel type and a description of the incident.  

In January 2022, there were 91 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels. Of these, 20 were serious. 

Read the Safety Lessons from Marine Incident Investigation report.  
Read the January incident report 

In this edition 

• Tell us what you think: air pollution regulations 
• Exemption 06 has been updated 
• Attend a passenger safety information session near you 
• Every passenger counts—focused inspection campaign 
• Nominate today for the 2022 VTS award 
• Rules around the discharge of garbage at sea 
• Spotlight on planned preventative maintenance 
• New-format seafarer certificates  
• Now available — monthly marine incident reports 

 

Tell us what you think: air pollution regulations 

As a part of global measures to reduce harmful emissions, Australian vessels must meet air emission requirements. Have your say on proposed changes to Marine order 97 (Marine pollution prevention – air pollution) to clarify the rules around nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide and ozone depleting substance (for example certain refrigerants) emissions for Australian vessels. 

The consultation closes on 20 March 2022. 

Learn more 

Exemption 06 has been updated 

We have recently updated Exemption 06 Marine Safety (Periodic survey, equipment certification, compass adjustment and liferaft servicing). The new amendments will provide greater flexibility for operators when liferafts are being serviced, repaired or replaced. 

You can now operate your domestic commercial vessel when a liferaft is out of action, provided you have enough liferafts to accommodate all persons onboard the voyage.  

Find out more 

Attend a passenger safety information session near you  

We are running information sessions focusing on passenger safety and compliance with Marine order 504. The sessions are open to all owners, operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels.   

The first three sessions in 2022 will be held in Queensland in February.  

Find out more and register to attend 

Every passenger counts—focused inspection campaign 

To support the regulations to keep passengers safe on domestic commercial vessels, we will be conducting a focused inspection campaign to assist operators ensure they are meeting the requirements.   

Marine inspectors will be conducting the campaign from the 1 February 2022 until 1 April 2022. This will happen in conjunction with their regular inspections on domestic commercial vessels that carry passengers.  

Read more about the inspections 

Nominate today for the 2022 VTS award 

Do you know a VTS team or employee that made an outstanding contribution to the safety of life at sea, the safety & efficiency of navigation, or the protection of the marine environment in 2021?   

Nominations for the prestigious VTS award are open to VTS authorities and their employees until 5pm, Monday 28 February 2022.  

Read more and nominate online 

Rules around the discharge of garbage into the sea 

The disposal of all garbage into the sea from ships is prohibited, except in some limited circumstances. This includes food wastes, cargo residues, cleaning agents and additives, and mixed garbage. Certain requirements also apply to animal carcasses. Learn more about the Australian legislation in place to keep our seas clean, in our new marine notice 01/2022—MARPOL Annex V (Garbage) Discharges. 

 Read it now 

Spotlight on planned preventative maintenance 

Our latest focused inspection campaign targets planned maintenance which is a critical component of seaworthiness for all vessels.  

Between now and 30 March 2022 our attention will be on ships arriving at Australian ports to determine the level of compliance with the maintenance requirements of the international conventions.  

Learn more 

New-format seafarer certificates 

From February 2022 AMSA will extend the range of credit card sized certificates of competency to include certificates of competency for masters, mates and engineers. 

The new card sized certificates will contain the same information as the current passport style booklet and will be more durable, secure and portable.  

Read more 

Now available — Monthly marine incident reports 

The information you provide in your incident report plays an important part in guiding the way we improve maritime safety for everybody on the water. By reporting marine incidents to us, you are also meeting your reporting obligations under Australian laws. 

Every month we will be sharing an overview of a domestic commercial vessel incident investigation and the safety lesson you can learn to prevent a similar incident occurring on board your vessel.  

This month’s report examines why a person was seriously injured after losing balance when a pilot vessel ran aground during sea trials.  

Each month we also report on the number and types of domestic commercial marine incidents reported to us. This information is broken down by state, vessel type and a description of the incident.  

In December 2021, there were 85 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels. Of these, 25 were serious and 1 very serious. 

Read the Safety Lessons from Marine Incident Investigation report 

Read the December incident report