Learn how non-shipborne AIS units are managed and find out what’s required to apply to operate a base station or AtoN in Australia.

Information regarding remote survey requests for ships detained in Australia.

The Navigation Act 2012 is legislation which covers international ship and seafarer safety, protect the marine environment where it relates to shipping and the actions of seafarers in Australian waters.

DCV Safety Alert: 1/2021 aims to raise awareness of recommendations made by the United States, National Transportation Safety Board, following the investigation into the fire and subsequent loss of the passenger vessel Conception.

Being a seafarer can be demanding at the best of times.

This consultation feedback report is based on submissions to us via an online form and Facebook.

On 3 August 1999 the Laura D’Amato, a 96,121 DWT Italian registered oil tanker, was berthed alongside at the Shell Gore Bay terminal in Sydney discharging its cargo of Murban light crude oil.

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention for addressing ship sourced pollution.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) governs the agreed minimum requirements for handling and transport of cargoes and dangerous goods.

On 6 November 2021, while enroute, a passenger charter (Class 1E) vessel’s inadequately secured swim platform gate opened when a passenger and toddler leant against it causing the two passengers to fall into the water. The investigation identified that there was no locking bolt on the gate, no risk assessments and no passenger verification procedures in place. 

On the evening of 29 May 2022, a commercial fishing vessel was on a voyage from Mackay to Cairns when the master noticed an auxiliary engine alarm. Upon lifting the engine room hatch, the master saw smoke and an orange glow and the engine room subsequently caught fire. The master quickly made the decision that they would not be able to fight the fire without jeopardising their safety and abandoned ship. An SMS risk assessment on appropriate crewing on a voyage greater than 12 hours duration should be undertaken in these situations.

On 21 August 2019, a landing barge (operated as a Class 1E and 2D) capsized while transiting from Great Mackerel Beach to Pittwater north of Sydney.

In this edition we give guidance on managing some of the changes mentioned in Schedule 1 of MO503, explain electrical plan approval requirements, and more.

In this edition we talk about audits and application assessments.

Providing 24/7 search and rescue (SAR) service for Australia.

A guide to our privacy policy.

Read a transcript of the webinar 'Changes to safety management systems requirements' held 19 March 2025.

Learn the differences between general and direct supervision

In this edition we talk about Lightship declarations and the law, new surveyor accreditation guidance manual part 2 now available and electrical issues able to be identified by non-electrical periodic surveyors.

Learn how to control the risk of fatigue to your crew and your operation.