In this edition, we seek your feedback on national standards for fire safety on commercial vessels, talk about securing liferafts, share a case study about accreditation, an electrical fire incident caused by a portable electrical tool battery, and our new updated forms for surveyors.

A safety management system (also referred to as an SMS) is a systematic approach to managing safety.

A hire vessel capsized after it was beached on a sandbank in a designated no-go area. The incident shows why hirers and participants must follow safety briefings and emergency plans.

Learn the differences between general and direct supervision

Find out the requirements you need to fulfill to obtain an international endorsement.

Accurate weight declaration for cargo containers is a critical safety issue. Shippers must provide a verified gross mass for containers.

A timeline of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA’s) involvement in the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

Read about our compliance priorities for 2025–26 to stay informed, meet regulatory requirements, and support better safety and environmental outcomes.

The 272nd meeting of the Board was held on Tuesday, 8 April 2025 in Melbourne, VIC.

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 6 February 1988 the Hong Kong registered bulk carrier Sir Alexander Glen lost approximately 450 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the waters off Port Walcott, Western Australia when a bunker tank was holed by the ship's anchor.

Reminding those who own, operate or are on board Australian ships, about offences under Australian sanction laws. The information has been prepared by the Australian Sanctions Office.

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Rules and conditions for vessels declared to not be regulated Australian vessels.

Safety Alert: 02/2021 aims to raise awareness of correct use of hydrostatic release units, for both float-free life rafts and float-free EPIRBS.