AMSA Connect phone services may have longer wait times on Monday 1 June 2026 while we operate with reduced staffing due to the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday in Canberra. Our search and rescue team will continue to operate during this time.
Advice for those control agencies that have jurisdictional or legislative responsibilities for marine oil spills, consistent with the oil spill contingency plans, and as stakeholders in the Nationa
The National Plan has had a relatively quiet year in terms of spill response, but a rather busy year in terms of maritime incidents. The National Plan has been called upon to respond to 88 minor spill incidents.
This five-year outlook of future action covers specific industry issues, international developments, priorities for standards, and legislative expiries.
The National Plan sets out national arrangements, policies and principles for responding to maritime emergencies. This is how federal, state and territory response capabilities work together.
The National Plan is operating in a low incident environment both within Australia and also worldwide. Australia’s low incident environment can be largely attributed to the rigorous Port State Control inspections undertaken by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority ensuring that only quality ships arrive in Australia.
During the reporting period, there was one major ship-sourced marine pollution incident in Australian waters, which involved activation of National Plan personnel and resources – the Global Peace spill. The National Plan was also called upon to respond to 106 minor spill incidents.
During 2006-2007, there was one major shipping incident in Australian waters – the Pasha Bulker grounding off Newcastle, north of Sydney. The National Plan was also called upon to respond to 82 minor spill incidents.
During 2008-2009, there were two major shipping incidents in Australian waters – the grounding of the Atlantic Eagle at Maude Reef, off Albany, Western Australia and the Pacific Adventurer incident off south-east Queensland.