About focused inspection campaigns
We conduct focused inspection campaigns as part of our port State control activities to examine specific areas of ship safety and compliance.
Campaign topics may be informed by inspection findings and deficiency trends, identified or emerging safety risks, or areas requiring closer regulatory attention.
During a campaign, AMSA inspectors use a standard set of questions when inspecting relevant ships visiting Australian ports. These focused inspections are generally carried out as part of normal port State control inspections. Any deficiencies identified are managed through the usual port State control process.
We may also conduct smaller focused inspection campaigns to collect information for regulatory purposes. These campaigns may not be published online.
The findings help us understand how safety requirements are being implemented and identify areas where further education, guidance or compliance activity may be needed.
Completed focused inspection campaigns
The campaigns below were completed within the past 5 years. Outcome reports summarise what we inspected, what we found and any areas requiring continued attention.
- Marine Order 32 cargo securing - 30 March to 25 April 2026
Focus: Cargo securing arrangements, including safe access to cargo spaces, the condition of cargo securing devices and officers’ familiarity with approved cargo securing manuals.
Outcome: AMSA completed 150 focused inspections. The campaign found a high level of compliance across the three inspection areas, with very few non-compliant results. AMSA inspectors will continue to monitor cargo securing arrangements during inspections of applicable vessels.Download the Marine Order 32 focused inspection campaign outcome report [PDF, 408.52 KB]
- Hours of work and rest - 1 May to 17 June 2022
Focus: Compliance with maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest requirements, and the familiarity of masters and officers with implementing these requirements onboard ships.
Outcome: AMSA inspected 281 ships and found general compliance with work and rest requirements. The campaign also identified ongoing concerns about fatigue and extended periods of shipboard service, reinforcing the need for continued focus on rest hours and working records.View the hours of work and rest focused inspection campaign outcome report
- Planned maintenance - 15 January to 28 February 2022
Focus: Compliance with planned maintenance requirements and how masters and officers ensured ships and equipment were maintained, including safety management procedures and maintenance after survey.
Outcome: AMSA completed 271 focused inspections and identified a high level of non-compliance with planned maintenance requirements. Seven ships were detained directly as a result of campaign findings, highlighting the need for continued focus on effective maintenance systems, safety management procedures and cargo securing equipment.View the planned maintenance focused inspection campaign outcome report