For vessels in distress or in need of assistance there can be, at times, a need to find an appropriate ‘place of refuge’, where steps can be taken to stabilise or repair the vessel and prevent the situation from worsening.

NOPSEMA has been working with state authorities to improve and streamline consultation practices within the offshore petroleum industry, and provide advice on regulatory requirements for offshore petroleum activities.

You need full ownership history to register a vessel. If you don’t have this information, you must submit a notice of intention to register a vessel to AMSA.

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.

On 30 August 1992 the fuel tank of Era was ruptured by the bow of the tug Turmoil during berthing operations at Port Bonython, South Australia, during high winds. Approximately 300 tonnes of bunker fuel was released into Spencer Gulf.

The purpose of this marine notice is to draw attention to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) non-mandatory revised guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life. 

Knowledge of regulations and duties will help you navigate safely on the seas.

An online learning program providing an awareness of how AMSA combats pollution in the marine environment.

Find safety equipment guides for non-survey vessels based on class and type of operation.

Accredited government and private surveyors, and recognised organisations who are qualified to conduct surveys on domestic commercial vessels.

On 16 March 2022, a class 2B landing barge collided with a starboard channel marker. The investigation identified that the previous swing engineer did not inform the incoming engineer that the port main engine cooling water suction valve was shut. After getting underway, the engine began to overheat. This distracted the master from monitoring the vessel’s intended track. The vessel’s safety management system did not have an appropriate engineering handover procedure.

Some vessels do not have to be surveyed. Depending on the type of vessel, you may need to apply for approval to operate.

This applies to approved Registered training organisations (RTOs) delivering International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping training leading to a certificate of competency.

Our process for conducting Registered training organisation evaluations.

The use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) on board ships contributes significantly to the safety of navigation.

We have approved these courses if you want to qualify for a certificate under international training conventions.

AMSA and the Bureau of Meteorology provide vessels with maritime safety information (MSI) about hazards and foreseeable dangers to safe navigation through Australia's marine environment.

The Sanko Harvest struck a reef off Esperance, Western Australia on 14 February 1991, and broke up over the next fortnight.