In this edition
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
