In Australia, domestic commercial vessels are regulated under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (national law act). The National Law Act underpins the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety (national system).

Standards for maintaining buoyancy after flooding, grounding, or collision.

The PSL applies to vessels that have carried 10 tonnes or more of oil while operating in Australia, any time during a quarter. It helps fund the response to marine pollution incidents.

Watch the video of Mark Jacobs who has hung up his snorkel and fins to help save lives across 10 per cent of the Earth’s surface.

There is increasing use of remotely operated and autonomous technology in Australia and worldwide across a range of fields.

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.

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

We will undertake a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on float-free EPIRB requirements on domestic commercial vessels over the period 1 February to 30 April 2021.

In this edition we talk about audits and application assessments, compass adjustment requirements, uncrewed barges and more.

In this edition we talk about marine surveyor accreditation renewals, a marine safety incident and a safety recall notice.

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

The oil spill from the Oceanic Grandeur in Torres Strait in March 1970 highlighted Australia’s lack of preparedness at the time to deal with a major oil spill in the marine environment.

Read a transcript of the webinar 'Fatigue management on domestic commercial vessels' held on 8 May 2026.

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

All domestic commercial vessels must have a certificate of survey unless exempt.