During the COVID-19 pandemic many seafarers have played an essential role.

Read previous AMSA update editions from 2024

Our search and rescue incidents from 2016–17.

Our approach to comply with the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law 2012 from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

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

Oil spill control agents (OSCA) may assist in oil spill clean up in Australian waters.

AMSA port State control inspectors will be using the checklist below when inspecting ships as part of our cargo securing focused inspection campaign. Use this checklist to prepare for the inspection, and to help you ensure your cargo is secure. Below is a sample of the focused inspection campaign checklist.

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.

In 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a revised strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

In this edition we talk about audits and application assessments.

Australia’s policy is that those who pollute our marine environment should be responsible for cleaning up and repairing the damage they have caused. If AMSA has to do this because they do not, then they should pay AMSA.

This marine notice informs shipowners, operators, masters and bridge watchkeepers of the availability of a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) in the Australia and New Zealand region.

If you are a Traditional Inhabitant of the Torres Strait and use your TIB to catch seafood and sell it, your boat is being used as a domestic commercial vessel. This page explains what that means, when you can use the TIB-specific exemption, and the steps you must follow to operate safely and legally.