AMSA update—2021 editions

The 2021 editions of AMSA update are available for your reference.
passenger safety on domestic commercial vessels

AMSA Update—December 2021

In this edition

Every passenger counts

Regulation is in place to improve passenger safety on domestic commercial vessels. These measures were made in response to fatal and serious non-fatal incidents involving passengers falling overboard.  

If you operate a vessel that carries passengers, you must: 

  • Include a procedure in your safety management system to ensure passengers are monitored and accounted for during a voyage. The procedure must allow the master to be able to identify how many passengers are on board at any time. 
  • Include an emergency procedure in your safety management system that deals with a missing passenger. 
  • Some operators will need to ensure that their procedures include a count of all passengers on board the vessel where one or more passengers embark on, or disembark from, the vessel—including when the vessel departs a landing point along the way or departs a site where passengers may have left the vessel to undertake a water activity. 
  • You must also keep a record of the results of any passenger counts in the vessel’s logbook.

Learn more

Successful re-election into Category B of the IMO council 

Australia is pleased to have been re-elected into the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), continuing our key role in international shipping. 

Read more

New safety alert — hydrostatic release units

We have issued a new safety alert on the use of hydrostatic release units. The alert raises awareness on the correct use of hydrostatic release units for float-free life rafts and float-free EPIRBS. 

Read more

New Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System to improve aviation safety

The tragic disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in 2014 highlighted the need to improve the global air navigation system, especially over remote and ocean areas, including near Australia. 

As a result, the new Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS) has been developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), member States and the aviation industry.

Find out more

Vessel registration review

If you are the registered owner of a vessel listed on the Australian General Shipping Register, and your registration has not been updated in 10 years or more you must confirm your vessel registration details now. If you do not do this your vessel registration may be closed.

Save time and money and avoid the hassle of having to re-register your vessel by advising us that your vessel should remain on the Australian General Shipping Register.

It’s quick and easy to do online here

Now available — safety guidance for parasailing operators

We have released some new safety guidance for commercial parasailing operators. Parasailing vessels are considered domestic commercial vessels under the national law. This information is to assist you comply with your general safety duties. 

Read our parasailing safety guidance

Focused inspection campaign — planned maintenance

Planned and corrective maintenance is a critical component of seaworthiness for all vessels. From 15 January to 30 March 2022, our focus will be on ships arriving at Australian ports to determine the level of compliance with the maintenance requirements of the International Conventions. While this focus will be primarily on foreign flagged vessels, planned preventative maintenance is an important part of any safe operation.

Learn more

Reminder  — keep your certificates on board

We want to remind operators and masters that, where practical, you must always carry your vessel’s certificates and permissions on board. This can be in hard copy or an electronic version, such as a copy on your smart phone. 

Your vessel’s certificates and permissions must be available upon request by an AMSA inspector or our compliance partners.

For hire-and-drive vessels and non-crewed barges, the owner or operator must be able to provide a copy upon request. 

AMSA to monitor HF radio distress calls

From 1 January 2022, there will be changes to the way maritime high frequency (HF) radiotelephone (voice) distress, safety and urgency communications are monitored in Australia. But don't worry, there will be minimum impact on the DCV industry during the transition. 

Find out more

New seafarer certificates

From February 2022 AMSA will extend the range of plastic 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. 

This development is consistent with the range of certificates issued by AMSA and reflects our commitment to modernising services for seafarers and delivering a faster certification process

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 November 2020, there were 92 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels. Of these, 27 were serious.

Read the Safety Lessons from Marine Incident Investigation report

Read the November incident report

AMSA Update—November 2021

In this edition

Have your say: lifejacket wear requirements on domestic commercial vessels 

We are taking action to improve safety by proposing to make it mandatory to wear a lifejacket on certain domestic commercial vessels. Since July 2013, 44 people on domestic commercial vessels have fallen overboard and drowned. 

We want to know what you think about three possible options we have developed to achieve this outcome. Learn more and have your say until 17 December 2021. 

Out now! Monthly safety lessons 

We are launching the first ever safety lessons learned as the result of a marine incident investigation report. 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. Read more. 

October 2021 incidents

There were 71 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in September 2021. Of these, 14 were serious. Read the full report.

AMSA Response Centre recognised as Emergency Service Facility 

Our Response Centre – which operates a national search and rescue service for the Australian maritime and aviation sectors – has been officially recognised as a Commonwealth Emergency Service Facility. Find out more .

2022 Vessel Traffic Services award opens for nominations

Nominations are now open for the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) award, which recognises the outstanding contribution by a VTS during 2021.  

The winner will be a VTS or an employee/s of a VTS that has exceeded expectations to make a big difference to the safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation, and/or the protection of the marine environment. Read more and nominate online today. 

National roll-out of new body worn cameras continues

The new body worn cameras for AMSA frontline staff will be operational nationally by February 2022. The roll-out has been extended into the new year to minimise end of year disruption. 

The innovative and safety focused technology will ensure greater transparency and protection for both AMSA inspectors and the maritime industry. Find out more. 

Increased maximum draught for container vessels through Torres Strait  

The maximum draught for container vessel transits of Torres Strait has increased to 12.5m, limited to certain tidal windows. The increase came into effect on 1 November and follows trials conducted since 2018. Read more . 

Wide range of wellness resources to download and share   

A reminder about the extensive range of free resources from videos to podcasts and posters available through our ‘Wellness at sea’ campaign web pages for crews, families and shore staff. 
Seafarer welfare is key to ensuring continued safety outcomes at sea and AMSA is proud to partner with the Sailors' Society to deliver this vital wellbeing initiative. More information and download resources.

Women in the Australian seafood industry 

Women in Seafood Australasia want to hear from everyone who is involved in the Australian seafood industry. The survey seeks to find out about the women who work in the Australian seafood industry - the roles women play, who the women are, their job conditions and some of the challenges faced. It only takes 10 minutes to complete. Take the survey.

AMSA Update—October 2021

In this edition

Have your say: lifejacket wear requirements on domestic commercial vessels 

Since July 2013, 44 people on domestic commercial vessels have fallen overboard and drowned. We are taking action to improve safety by proposing to make it mandatory to wear a lifejacket on certain domestic commercial vessels. 
 
We want to know what you think about practical options we have developed to achieve this outcome. Learn more and have your say until 17 December 2021.

2021 Australian Search and Rescue Awards announced

We congratulate the recipients of this year's National Search and Rescue Council’s (NATSAR) Australian Search and Rescue Awards. The awards are presented by the NATSAR Council in recognition of outstanding contribution to search and rescue within the Australian region. Find out more about the winners.

Final consultation on near coastal qualifications

Tell us what you think about the draft Marine order 505 (certificates of competency) and supporting guidelines. The draft marine order contains a range of changes, some of which are a result of feedback industry provided during the 2019 consultation. This final consultation closes on 14 November 2021. We welcome your feedback. 

AMSA survey reports to go online  

From 1 December 2021, we will no longer receive survey reports by email. This means accredited marine surveyors and Recognised Organisation surveyors will need to submit their reports and recommendations directly into our online system.  This change will mean certificates can be processed faster and our stakeholders will receive their certification sooner. Read more.

Huon Aquaculture reels in safety award

Congratulations to the team at Huon Aquaculture who are the winners of the 2021 Tasmanian Seafood Industry (TSI) Safety Award for the development of an in-house, custom-made safety app. Read more.

Winners of the Vessel Traffic Service awards announced

A team of quick-thinking and resourceful professionals from Ports Victoria Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) have been awarded the prestigious 2020-21 VTS Award for averting a maritime crisis.   

The great work of the Port Authority of New South Wales Sydney VTS team was highly commended for its role in a joint operation with NSW Police during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full story here.

Are your ship registration details current? 

We are reviewing the registration of vessels listed on the Australian General Shipping Register (AGSR), targeted at vessels with registrations where there has been no activity on the registration for 10 years or more. 

If you are the registered owner of a vessel listed on the AGSR, you will need to confirm that your vessel’s registration details are correct to avoid us taking action to close the registration. Read more.

Queensland passenger safety information sessions 

We are running information sessions in Queensland focusing on passenger safety and compliance with Marine order 504. The sessions are open to all owners, operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels. You don’t have to register, just show up on the day. Find out more.

September 2021 incidents

There were 73 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in September 2021. Of these, 20 were serious. Read the full report.

AMSA Update—September 2021

In this edition

World Maritime Day 2021—Seafarers at the core of shipping’s future

Today Australia joins other nations to celebrate World Maritime Day. This year shines a light on the vital role of seafarers and the need to provide supportive working conditions for them to continue providing this key service into the future. In a display of solidarity towards seafarers, two lighthouses—Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in WA and Bustard Head Lighthouse in Qld—and Australia House in London will join other buildings around the globe in being lit up in blue today. Read more.

Final consultation on near coastal qualifications

Tell us what you think about the draft Marine order 505 (certificates of competency) and supporting guidelines. The draft marine order contains a range of changes, some of which are a result of feedback industry provided during the 2019 consultation. This final consultation closes on 14 November 2021.

Learn more and have your say.

Get ready for National Safe Boating Week 2021!

National Safe Boating Week starts on the 2 October 2021. With summer just around the corner, many more Australians will be taking to the water. Its important to understand the importance of safety to protect yourself and those around you. 
 
The week finishes up on Friday 8 October with Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day -  if it’s easy enough to wear to work, it’s easy enough to wear on the water. Will you be wearing yours? Find out more.

Advice and support for operators of autonomous vessels

New guidance is on our website for designers, builders and owners of small unmanned autonomous vessels under 12 metres. It provides information on the scope of items to be considered and suitable standards to use, when applying for a specific exemption.

New body worn cameras for AMSA frontline staff

AMSA is joining other regulatory agencies in the use of body worn cameras (BWCs) which will be in place nationally by December 2021. Benefits of the new technology include extra security, transparency, and capturing quality audio and video evidence. Find out more on our website.

Overloading – don’t rock the boat!

You should know the maximum load capacity of your tender. When considering how much weight your vessel can support, it is important to consider the number of people on board, the engine including an auxiliary, portable tanks, equipment, supplies and any catch that may be brought on board. Find out more.

Incident data helping to improve maritime safety

We have released the 2020 report into domestic commercials vessel marine incidents. This data gives us an insight into what’s going wrong out on the water and what we can do to help improve safety. Read the full report.

August 2021 incidents

There were 76 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in August 2021. Of these, 22 were serious. Read the full report.

AMSA Update—August 2021

In this edition

Advice to the Australian domestic commercial vessel industry during COVID-19

If you work in the Australian Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) industry this page features some useful links and information about support services available during this time. It is also important you keep up to date with your local state and territory restrictions, as the situation is changing quickly.

AMSA National Compliance Plan 2021-22

The new compliance plan provides industry with a clear view of what AMSA will be looking for over the coming year to make it easier to comply with the national law.

Make sure you have your float-free EPIRB

The effectiveness of your float-free EPIRB is dependent on where the unit is mounted. Some important considerations for installation include:

  • on the outside of the vessel
  • in a clear open space away from any obstructions
  • where it is easy to access in an emergency and manual activation is required
  • where it is protected from damage.

For more advice on installation, see the manufacturer’s instructions.

To find out more about the mandatory float-free EPIRB requirements for certain domestic commercial vessels visit our website.

Overloading – don’t rock the boat!

Excessive loading of your tender vessel is dangerous and could cause you to capsize. Overloading a tender has a detrimental effect on the vessel’s stability, affects the vessel’s normal handling characteristics and makes the tender more susceptible to swamping and capsize.

Find out more about operating your tender safely.

Australia-Indonesia Search and Rescue exercise continues to build closer international relationships

A search and rescue exercise (SAREX) between Australia and Indonesia was held on 4 August 2021 to further strengthen relationships between the two nations and improve overall transport safety and assistance in Indonesia.

The annual SAREX, involving the AMSA’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) as well as Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue body (BASARNAS) and the Kupang SAR Office (RSC), was held via video teleconference due to current COVID restrictions. Read more.

Digital@Sea Asia-Pacific 2021 Conference

Leading the digitalization of the maritime industry

Online from the Sejong Convention Center in Seoul, South Korea

September 8–9 2021, 16:00–18:55 (Korea Standard Time) / 17:00–19:55 (AEST)

Attend the Digital@Sea Asia Pacific Conference at no cost to find out what technologies are poised to transform the global maritime sector. Along with stakeholders from around the world, consider how these emerging technologies will disrupt business models, regulation, new competencies, how we work and collaborate. Learn more and register.

July 2021 incidents

There were 55 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in July 2021. Of these, 15 were serious. Read the full report

AMSA Update—July 2021

In this edition: 

What we are doing to support the maritime industry

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing health crisis, we continue to recognise the impact it is having on the maritime industry. 

If you work in the Australian Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) industry this page features some useful links and information about support services available during this time. It is also important you keep up to date with your local state and territory restrictions, as the situation can change quickly.

Wellness at Sea campaign launches

The Wellness at Sea campaign provides a wide range of resources to support the health and wellbeing of seafarers, their families, and shore staff through the dedicated campaign website.

AMSA is proud to partner with the Sailors’ Society to deliver this vital wellbeing initiative over the next six months. Read more.

Make sure you have your float-free EPIRB

There are no more excuses for not having a float-free EPIRB installed on certain types of domestic commercial vessels. If your vessel is required to have a float-free EPIRB and you are yet to install one, contact your local supplier now. Remember, all EPIRBs must be registered with AMSA. Penalties apply for non-compliance. Find out more.

New arrangements for casualties and pollution events

AMSA has changed the way we respond to marine casualties and pollution events. Under the new arrangements, AMSA’s Response Centre is now the primary point of contact for all maritime casualty incidents. This change has been made as maritime casualties are often precursors to a marine pollution event and AMSA has a responsibility to combat pollution in the marine environment. Find out more. 

Ghost fishing

Ghost fishing is a term used for abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear and is one of the most harmful marine plastics in our oceans. Read more about how you can prevent ghost fishing in the marine environment. 

Tender safety - lifejackets

An adult can drown in just 60 seconds, or even less in cold water. Everyone on board your tender should be wearing a lifejacket.
 
Many types of lifejackets are available – choose the best fit and wear it. If your lifejacket is inflatable, get it serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions and regularly do self-servicing, pre-wear checks. If it won’t inflate it’s too late. Find out more.

June 2021 incidents

There were 57 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in June 2021. Of these, 19 were serious and 1 very serious. Read the full report

AMSA Update—June 2021

In this edition: 

Seafarers, we are listening

International Day of the Seafarer was on 25 June 2021. This year we celebrated the vital role of seafarers in the fight against COVID-19 and the sacrifices they make to deliver essential services.
We are sharing the stories of some of our employees, who started their careers at sea. Read more.

AMSA scholarships helping build skills in the maritime industry

Congratulations to the 2021 AMSA Excellence in Maritime Policy Scholarship recipients, Andrew Herring and Megan Reinwald. The post-grad students were awarded the scholarship for their academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to maritime safety. Read more about the recipients and AMSA’s scholarship program.

Fees for domestic commercial vessel safety services are changing

The updated fees will apply from 1 July 2021 for domestic commercial services including certificates of survey and operation, permits, exemptions, unique vessel identifiers and seafarer certificates of competency. Updates to fees for services under the surveyor accreditation scheme will also apply.
AMSA has adjusted domestic fees annually since 2018 as a requirement under the National Law. Read more.

We are reviewing the registration details of all vessels listed on the Australian General Shipping Register

This is an important process undertaken by AMSA to ensure the register contains current information and continues to serve its purpose. If you are the registered owner of a vessel listed on the register, you will need to confirm that your vessel’s registration details are correct and if not, request updates to the vessel’s registration details as required. Read more.

Recovering from a hook-up

It is important to ensure that your trawler is properly prepared for a hook-up before you leave port.
Mark Millward is an experienced Queensland prawn and scallop trawl fisherman. Mark has built trawlers using his practical understanding of vessel stability factors important to trawling. He explains how to prepare a trawler in port so that it is ready to recover from a hook-up. Watch the video now.

APPLY EARLY for your certificate renewal

Over the next 6 months, many certificates of operation and certificates of survey will be due for renewal. Apply early and make sure there is time for your application to be processed before your current certificate expires. Read more.

Make sure you have your float-free EPIRB

There are no more excuses for not having a float-free EPIRB installed on certain types of domestic commercial vessels. We now expect vessels to meet this potentially lifesaving requirement. If your vessel is required to have a float-free EPIRB and you are yet to install one, contact your local supplier now. Remember, all EPIRBs must be registered with AMSA. Penalties will apply. Find out more.

May 2021 incidents

There were 60 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in May 2021. Of these, 22 were serious. Read the full report.

AMSA Update—May 2021

In this edition

Apply early for your certificate renewal

Over the next 6 months, many certificates of operation and certificates of survey will be due for renewal. Apply early and make sure there is time for your application to be processed before your current certificate expires. We will send reminder notices three months prior to the expiry date by post, but we encourage operators to apply early. Read more

NOx emission requirements for marine diesel engines on domestic commercial vessels 

As a part of global measures to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, marine diesel engines with a power output of greater than 130kW must comply with NOx emission requirements.  
 
To assist affected owners and operators comply with the requirements, we are working on amendments to Marine Order 97—Marine pollution—Prevention, expected to be implemented in late 2021 following consultation with industry. Until then, vessel owners may operate under a new Exemption 44—Marine Safety (Domestic commercial vessels – EIAPP certificate) Exemption 2021. Read more.

We are talking safety to Indigenous communities 

Over the next few months, we’ll be working with traditional inhabitant boat (TIB) operators in the Torres Strait regions to promote safe boating practices by educating and assisting operators on how to assess and manage risks while on the water. Find out more.

Know the risks on board your tender

All commercial tender operations must have either their own Safety Management System (SMS) or be included in their parent vessel's SMS. Being prepared and knowing the risks of your tender operation can help minimise the potential for something to go wrong. Learn how to develop an SMS for your tender operation. 

Reminder—get in early to renew your STCW certificates 

We are encouraging seafarers with STCW internationally-recognised Certificates of Competency, Certificates of Proficiency and Certificates of Safety Training, which are due to expire between November 2021 and February 2022 to kick-start the revalidation process early. Read more.

April 2021 incidents

There were 82 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in April 2021. Of these, 33 were serious and 1 very serious. Read the full report

The new ANZSBEG website is now live!

The Australian New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) was established in 1994 following a national review by AMSA into safe recreational boating. The new ANZSBEG website hosts informative safety resources and guidance information for the recreational boating community. Take a look here.

AMSA Update—April 2021

In this edition

Don't wait to get your float-free EPIRB

From 1 May 2021 we will enforce the requirement to have a float-free EPIRB on certain types of commercial vessels.

It can take time for a beacon to be delivered and properly installed. If your vessel is required to have a float-free EPIRB and you are yet to install one, contact one of the suppliers listed on our website. Remember, all EPIRBs must be registered with AMSA.

Read more

Now open for nominations—National search and rescue awards 

The awards recognise outstanding contributions to search and rescue within the Australian region from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. Anyone can nominate another person or team of people for one of the prestigious National awards.
 
Find out more

Know the risks on board your tender

Being prepared and knowing the risks of your tender operation can help minimise the potential for something to go wrong.

All commercial tender operations need a Safety Management System (SMS). A key part of your SMS doing a risk assessment.

Read more about developing an SMS for your tender operation.

March 2021 incidents

There were 86 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in March 2021. Of these, 27 were serious and 1 very serious.

Read the full report

AMSA Update—March 2021

In this edition

National float-free EPIRB inspection campaign delivers great results so far

Since 1 February 2021, AMSA inspectors have been conducting a national float-free EPIRB focused inspection campaign to ensure operators meet their obligations.

So far 90 per cent of vessels inspected have a correctly fitted float-free EPIRB registered with AMSA. This is a great result—thanks to the owners, masters and crew of these vessels for working with us to make these changes.

Read more

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.  
 
Find out more

Simplified equipment lists for some small fishing vessel operations 

Two new equipment lists are now available for certain non-survey vessels less than 12 metres long, working close to land.  

Find more information about the new safety equipment lists and eligibility.

Tenders need to be safe

Your safety and the safety of people on board depends on how you prepare and manage the risks of your operation. There are minimum safety equipment requirements for all tender operations.  

It is important that you assess the risks for your operation and carry appropriate equipment to ensure your safety.  
 
Read more about tender safety.

Out now! Maritime Safety Awareness Bulletin—preventing container loss

The latest issue of the Maritime Safety Awareness bulletin focuses on the risk of losing shipping containers at sea. Find out about the impact of container loss on safety and the environment and what measures should be considered to prevent it from happening. 

Read issue 13 of the Maritime Safety Awareness Bulletin.

February 2021 incidents

There were 80 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in February 2021. Of these, 21 were serious and 1 very serious.

Read the full report.

AMSA Update—February 2021

In this edition

Webinar on the proposed standard for watertight and weathertight integrity

Have you got questions about the proposed new standard for watertight and weathertight integrity?

Attend our webinar on 9 March to find out about the proposed changes, what triggered the change and how to provide your feedback before the consultation closes on 28 March.

Find out more and register

A reminder to keep your float-free EPIRB dry

Once the EPIRB is exposed to water, it automatically activates via the water activation switch.

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

Read more

What you need to know about tenders

Did you know, under the national law the definition of a tender includes those operating without a parent vessel while in a marina or mooring area. These types of operations may include work boats that perform maintenance activities around marinas or transport passengers from a wharf to moored vessels. 

Learn more about tenders without a parent vessel.

Stay Afloat — community resilience grants to help commercial fishers 

Applications are now open for Community Resilience Grants of up to $2000, as part of the Stay Afloat program to support and improve the mental health of those in the seafood industry.

The grants are available for seafood communities around Australia to host community-led events that support discussions on mental health, well-being and connectedness. 

For more information visit www.stayafloat.com.au. 

Stow it, don't throw it — all waste is harmful in the marine environment

You can help by storing and sorting all waste on board your boat, so when you’re back on shore it can be recycled and disposed of appropriately.

Don’t forget to report any marine pollution incident to help minimise damage to the environment. If you witness a vessel or seafarer polluting, or see pollution in the marine environment that you think might be from a vessel, you can make a general marine pollution report.

You can also order a free sticker for your vessel.

January 2021 incidents

There were 85 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in January 2021. Of these, 20 were serious and 2 very serious.

Read the full report

AMSA Update—January 2021

In this edition

Have your say—modernising the standard for watertight and weathertight integrity on commercial vessels

Attention: boat designers, boat builders, naval architects, surveyors and interested DCV groups.

We are proposing a new standard to reflect current technologies to align with more modern standards and best practice for watertight and weathertight integrity. It contains multiple options to achieve compliance and address safety issues, including over-loading.

Find out more about the proposed changes and have your say.

Float-free EPIRBs—focused inspection campaign

To support the new requirement for certain types of domestic commercial vessels to be fitted with a float-free EPIRB, we will be conducting a focused inspection campaign between 1 February to 30 April 2021 to check for compliance and help operators to meet their obligations.

Read more about the inspections.

What you need to know about tenders

Tenders come in all shapes and sizes and can perform a range of different roles from passenger transport to marina maintenance.

Whatever type of tender operation you run, it must comply with the appropriate safety standards and carry certain safety equipment.

Visit our about tenders page to learn more about tender operations and how to keep them safe.

Reporting a marine incident

All commercial vessels involved in a marine incident in Australian waters need to make a report.

Reports assist us to respond quickly and efficiently to an incident when it occurs. The real value of incident reporting and the resulting analysis is the development of more effective safety strategies and advice for owners, operators and seafarers to avoid similar events in the future.

Read more about marine incident reporting.

December 2020 incidents

There were 88 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in December 2020. Of these, 26 were serious and 1 very serious.

Read the full report.

Upcoming changes

February—New simplified safety equipment lists for small fishing operations.

Last updated: 1 February 2022

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