AMSA has arrangements in place to enable specified positions within the organisation to exercise a function, power or duty assigned to the Chief Executive Officer under marine safety and environmental protection of the sea legislation.

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.

To confirm an engine with a power output of greater than 130 kilowatts (kW) is compliant with nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission standards, it must be accompanied by an Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) certificate and supporting Technical File.

In September 2017 the Western Australian Department of Transport ran Exercise Ningaloo Challenge, which was the largest and most complex maritime environmental emergency response exercise ever conducted in WA.