During a private charter a passenger fell down a stairwell and sustained serious injuries. The area around the top of the stairwell had a recess that reduced the floor area slightly and could be missed during movements. The stairs themselves were not found to be contributory to this incident. However, the spiral design proved problematic for providing post-incident medical assistance for the passenger. Any area that may present a safety risk to passengers onboard a vessel should be risk assessed, with appropriate control measures put in place to ensure passenger safety.

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

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

How to calculate and record your sea service for a near coastal certificate of competency.

1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 - xlsx

In this edition we talk about recent surveyor audits.

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

Check current fees for STCW certificates, assessments and related services. All fees are in Australian dollars (AUD).

Read previous AMSA update editions from 2024

All regulated Australian vessels must have a minimum safe crewing determination (MSCD). Find out how to prepare your crewing arrangement, check qualifications, and submit your application or renewal.

Getting hooked-up is one of the most dangerous situations you can experience on a trawler. Be prepared. Knowing what you and your crew need to do can save lives.

In this edition we explain about National Law audits,

Guidance on crewing of domestic commercial vessels as per Schedule 1 Clause 6 - Appropriate crewing and Clause 8 - Minimum crewing of Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation - national law) 2024. Schedule 1 applies to all vessels other than class 4 vessels.

Look out for marine fauna and report any collisions.

Learn the differences between general and direct supervision

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.

In this edition we give guidance on managing some of the changes mentioned in Schedule 1 of MO503, explain electrical plan approval requirements, and more.

The FOI disclosure list describes the documents disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act, and the date of disclosure.