Domestic commercial vessel inspections

Marine inspectors perform inspections on behalf of AMSA—both planned and unscheduled. They will conduct an inspection of the vessel under the National Law, and as to whether the vessel appears to ensure safety of persons, the vessel and the environment.

Before an inspection

When your vessel is inspected, we request that you have:

• a safety management system available which you can show is correctly implemented on your vessel
• all relevant documentation readily available, including your certificate of operation and survey, crew certification and any exemptions relevant to your vessel
• firefighting, lifesaving and on-board equipment is checked and is working, and if not, marked appropriately and have plans in place to repair/replace the equipment.

During an inspection

Before the start of an inspection, a marine inspector will give you a letter [1] indicating that your vessel will be inspected. They will also clearly explain the scope of the inspection and any equipment that may need to be operationally tested.

While on your vessel, the inspector will go through an inspection checklist [2]for items such as valid certificates, implementation of safety management systems and the overall condition of the vessel. You can also view the Simplified report of inspection form 756 [3]. The simplified report of inspection is a record of the inspection being conducted and will be given to you at the end of the inspection. The marine inspector aims to complete the inspection in a timely manner with minimal disruption to your operation as can reasonably be expected.

After the inspection

If a marine inspector identifies areas of non compliance, they may use a range of tools. These actions may increase in severity depending on the circumstances, and are proportionate with the risk identified or the harm caused. The options include:

• engagement and education
• advice and warnings
• deficiencies
• detention
• improvement notices
• prohibition notices.

During their inspection, marine inspectors may take notes, photos or videos are necessary.

To ensure the consistency, transparency, accountability, impartiality and fairness in decision-making, all decisions and the reasoning behind these decisions will be explained at the end of the inspection.

If you have concerns relating to the conduct of an inspection, the letter given at the start of the inspection provides information on who to contact.