AMSA Connect phone services will be closed for the public holiday on Monday 8 June 2026, reopening on Tuesday 9 June 2026. Our search and rescue team will continue to operate during this time.
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.
Discover how AMSA supports safe and sustainable maritime operations through fair, risk-based regulation. This statement explains our approach to safety, compliance, engagement and international obligations.
On the morning of 24 April 2022, a fishing vessel ran aground on a reef between Bundaberg and Torres Strait. The master and two deck hands had been underway for six days prior to the grounding. The master was fatigued, having had little sleep given the watchkeeping schedule and the competency levels of the two deckhands.
Following a report to AMSA, and subsequent investigation, the Pax Phoenix was fined for illegally discharging oily water into the marine environment near Holbourne Island, Queensland on 2 September 2001.
This exemption allows people to work as a master or chief mate on a vessel operating in the Great Barrier Reef or Torres Strait Zone or from a Queensland island without the required certificate.
We are responsible for handling health and safety issues for personnel on prescribed ships that are engaged in trade or commerce on international and domestic voyages.
The National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (the National Plan) sets out national arrangements, policies and principles for managing maritime environmental emergencies.
There are mandatory minimum requirements for your certificates under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (STCW).
This exemption allows DCV owners/operators a time extension for obtaining periodic surveys, or a new certificate of currency for equipment. It also allows them to operate without required compass adjustments, or while a liferaft is being serviced.