For vessels in distress or in need of assistance there can be, at times, a need to find an appropriate ‘place of refuge’, where steps can be taken to stabilise or repair the vessel and prevent the situation from worsening.

On Monday 10 July 1995, the Iron Baron chartered bulk carrier grounded on Hebe Reef at the approach to the Tamar River, northern Tasmania at 7.30 pm EST.

Our response to the risk of oil spills on wildlife.

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

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

An online learning program providing an awareness of how AMSA combats pollution in the marine environment.

The short-term measure under the MARPOL Convention requires ships engaged on international voyages to make improvements to deliver a reduction in their carbon intensity by an average of at least 40% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels), in line with the target set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

On Sunday 9 January 2012, the cargo vessel the MV Tycoon broke free from its mooring at Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island, and washed against the seawall and nearby cliff face. The ship had been loading phosphate at the time of the incident.

This page outlines the types of survey reports and details an AMSA assessor looks for when reviewing an application for approval.

On 30 August 1992 the fuel tank of Era was ruptured by the bow of the tug Turmoil during berthing operations at Port Bonython, South Australia, during high winds. Approximately 300 tonnes of bunker fuel was released into Spencer Gulf.

Chemical dispersants are one of the response tools available during oil spill responses.

The National Plan uses a risk based approach to reduce the impact of maritime environment emergencies.

As a regulatory body, we are required to publish a range of information about our functions and how we carry them out. We do this under the information publication scheme.

South Australia hosted the 2017 National Plan Exercise from 5 to 7 December in Adelaide.

We have issued an updated marine notice for Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) in Torres Strait. This notice outlines the management framework, summarises the responsibilities and reminds all coastal pilots transiting ships when they are required to use the Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system.

On 20 May 1988 bulk carrier Korean Star grounded in the vicinity of Cape Cuvier within the port limits of Carnarvon, Western Australia.