Passenger sustains injury from poorly rigged gangway.

Disconnection of LPG system the source of explosion on a houseboat

A powered barge with a mounted crane became unstable and capsized in 3.5 metres of water during lifting operations of a concrete structure.

A passenger ferry was returning from its scheduled service when an unanticipated wave raised its stern and caused its bow to dive under the water. Water rushed over the bow and a significant amount came through the forward portside access door and into the passenger compartment. The master immediately reduced speed, which expelled most of the water overboard. The forward portside access door had been left open by a crew member who was attempting to alleviate sea sickness among some passengers. The action of leaving the door open during the voyage was contrary to the vessel’s survey requirements. Signage requiring the door to be kept closed when underway was reportedly not seen by crew members. This resulted in water entering the vessel creating a potentially unsafe situation.

All ships must follow the requirements of MARPOL Annex V when discharging cargo residue.

Read previous AMSA update editions from 2024

A summary of discharge standards under MARPOL and local regulations if you are operating your vessel in Australian waters.

A Class 1 passenger vessel’s port engine caught fire whilst northeast of Fraser Island with 82 passengers and crew onboard. The investigation found that regular planned engine maintenance, in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, was not in place at the time of the incident. The crew’s response to the incident was immediate and effective. The transfer of the 77 passengers to a nearby vessel, which attended the distress call within 10 minutes, was undertaken quickly and effectively by the master and crew.

On 19 November 2020, a class 3B fishing vessel grounded on a beach after the master and two deckhands, fell asleep. The investigation identified that there was no clear procedure for standing watch. Fatigue also contributed to the poor decisions made by the crew around who was supposed to be on watch that morning.

On Sunday 9 January 2012, the cargo vessel the MV Tycoon broke free from its mooring at Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island, and washed against the seawall and nearby cliff face. The ship had been loading phosphate at the time of the incident.

Arrangements between government and industry under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies to respond to shipping casualties.

We inspect domestic commercial vessels to ensure crew, vessel, and operational safety.

In this edition we explain about National Law audits,

Operators of Regulated Australian Vessels (RAV) and Foreign Vessels, as well as the shippers of livestock, have obligations when loading and transporting livestock from Australia.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2018–19.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2013–14.

Generic equivalent solutions (GES) support national standards by allowing the use of new technology and other solutions.

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.