General and practical information about the AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA), including how to perform the assessment.

This Marine Notice reminds shipowners, operators, masters, crews, recognised organisations, marine pilots and pilotage providers about their obligation to provide and ensure continued safe pilot transfer arrangements on ships.

Alerts the maritime industry to findings of two recent accident investigations conducted by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission.

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.

We sought feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 53 (Vessels in polar waters) 2016 (MO53). The changes will ensure the marine order aligns with the new requirements following amendments to SOLAS and the Polar Code.

The type of EPIRB you need depends on vessel class, length, flotation and operating area.

Follow these steps if you wish to operate your vessel commercially outside of the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ).

Guidance on the installation, testing and correct operation of oil filtering equipment (oily water separators) to support compliance with resolution MEPC.107(49) under MARPOL Annex I Regulation 14.

Apply for acceptance on the oil spill control agents register.

A master or owner of a vessel may apply for an exemption from the requirement to navigate a vessel with a licensed pilot in a compulsory pilotage area

Marine Order 55 (Vessels carrying industrial personnel) 2024 Consultation Report – Feb - Apr 2024

If you submit an incomplete application, we will not progress your application for a domestic commercial vessel permission or approval.

Read a transcript of the webinar 'Fatigue risk management' held 19 February 2025.

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.

Find out about the special arrangements for vessels which meet the definition of ‘tender’ under the national law.

These guidelines aim to assist small1 DCV operations to undertake a risk assessment as part of the vessel’s safety management system.