AMSA Connect phone services may have longer wait times on Monday 1 June 2026 while we operate with reduced staffing due to the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday in Canberra. Our search and rescue team will continue to operate during this time.
If you're planning to bring a vessel to Australia, or take a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) on an overseas voyage, you need to comply with Australian regulations and international standards.
In this edition we explain the criteria for issuing temporary permits under exemption 7, we give details of the reports that are needed when a regulated Australian vessel becomes a domestic commercial vessel, we give you a handy tour of the AMSA organisation, and more.
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention for addressing ship sourced pollution.
A garbage management plan is an effective way to reduce garbage generated on board and ensure its effective disposal, to protect our marine environment. Under Australian maritime legislation it is mandatory for certain vessels to carry a garbage management plan.