An unexpected wind-shift during parasailing operations caused 2 airborne passengers to contact the water at speed. They were recovered by the vessel and returned to shore. Both passengers later informed the operator that they had sustained injuries during the event. The owner then failed to report this as a marine incident to us.

The 278th meeting of the Board was held virtually via MS Teams on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

You can submit your completed Seafarer form 419 or Certificate of competency application form 426 at participating Australia Post retail outlets.

Safety Alert: 02/2021 aims to raise awareness of correct use of hydrostatic release units, for both float-free life rafts and float-free EPIRBS.

On 6 November 2021, while enroute, a passenger charter (Class 1E) vessel’s inadequately secured swim platform gate opened when a passenger and toddler leant against it causing the two passengers to fall into the water. The investigation identified that there was no locking bolt on the gate, no risk assessments and no passenger verification procedures in place. 

A safety management system (also referred to as an SMS) is a systematic approach to managing safety.

1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 - xlsx

A passenger vessel collided with an unseen rock, resulting in the injury of a passenger. The master navigated the vessel into unfamiliar waters that was not a normal or planned part of the passenger tour experience, and not authorised by the tour company. Owners and operators should ensure masters continue to conform to the planned or authorised route for the services they offer.

Transfer, suspend or revoke a certificate or approval for a domestic commercial vessel. You may need to transfer the certificate or approval when you sell or purchase a vessel.

Carry the type of lifejacket required for your vessel's highest service category. You can choose self-inflating, manual inflating or foam buoyancy lifejackets.

Keeping a radio watch saves lives. Use this guidance to set up your radio watchkeeping process and comply with Marine Order 504.

Marine incidents are defined by relevant Australian laws and include a number of different types of incidents.

In early 2018 representatives from Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) and AMSA boarded the containership ANL Warragul for a three day voyage to test the hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) reconnaissance capability.

Instructions where an Australian commercial vessel under construction is required to undertake sea trials prior to the issuance of statutory certification.Australian vessels intended to b

On the evening of 29 May 2022, a commercial fishing vessel was on a voyage from Mackay to Cairns when the master noticed an auxiliary engine alarm. Upon lifting the engine room hatch, the master saw smoke and an orange glow and the engine room subsequently caught fire. The master quickly made the decision that they would not be able to fight the fire without jeopardising their safety and abandoned ship. An SMS risk assessment on appropriate crewing on a voyage greater than 12 hours duration should be undertaken in these situations.

This marine notice draws attention to important information regarding the proper operation of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), including the importance of adequate and up to date Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), for ships visiting Australian ports.

1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 - xlsx

Marine order 504