The global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) connects you to coast stations and vessels via satellite and radio communications when you're out at sea.

Proof of identity is required when applying for a certificate of competency or seafarer’s service book.

We are seeking service providers to deliver Level 2 Emergency Towage Capability (ETC2) services as part of our national maritime emergency response network.

Electronic visual distress signals are not a substitute for conventional pyrotechnic flares.

You need to keep your certificate of recognition current to keep working as an international seafarer in Australia. Make sure you renew your overseas (primary) STCW certificate before applying to revalidate your CoR.

Be prepared before your trip. Stay safe in the air.

A charter fishing vessel proceeding to a fishing spot began experiencing progressively worsening weather conditions and water ingress. Despite the owner’s warning prior to departure and passenger complaints, the master continued to the fishing destination. Strong winds and waves hampered anchoring, with water accumulating on deck through the transom door to the point of flooding. The vessel’s EPIRB was deployed, and a rescue helicopter attended, winching the master and passengers to safety.

Advice on maintaining rescue boats in working order.

You must read and agree to this policy and rules of conduct before booking your exam.

We contribute to safety in the region by working with our geographic neighbours.

In 2024–25, our compliance activities focused on high-risk areas identified through safety data and guided by the National Compliance Plan. This summary reports our progress and key outcomes in these priority areas.

The cargo ship Pacific Adventurer lost upwards of 270 tonnes of heavy fuel oil when holed on its port side while en route to Brisbane from Newcastle.

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

In this edition we talk about Marine Surveyor Accreditation Guidance Manual – Part 2 , we include a Case Study about Compliance action on an AMS’s accreditation and decks on domestic commercial vessels