A passenger ferry was returning from its scheduled service when an unanticipated wave raised its stern and caused its bow to dive under the water. Water rushed over the bow and a significant amount came through the forward portside access door and into the passenger compartment. The master immediately reduced speed, which expelled most of the water overboard. The forward portside access door had been left open by a crew member who was attempting to alleviate sea sickness among some passengers. The action of leaving the door open during the voyage was contrary to the vessel’s survey requirements. Signage requiring the door to be kept closed when underway was reportedly not seen by crew members. This resulted in water entering the vessel creating a potentially unsafe situation.

Download a list of DCVs that hold a certificate of survey or exemption here.

We are making changes to Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements – national law) 2018 (Marine order 504) to clarify requirements for monitoring and accounting for passengers on domestic commercial vessels.

Read previous AMSA update editions from 2024

Descriptions of the courses available to responders under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies.

All ships must follow the requirements of MARPOL Annex V when discharging cargo residue.

Using an advanced under keel clearance management (UKCM) system will reduce your chances of running aground.

A Class 1 passenger vessel’s port engine caught fire whilst northeast of Fraser Island with 82 passengers and crew onboard. The investigation found that regular planned engine maintenance, in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, was not in place at the time of the incident. The crew’s response to the incident was immediate and effective. The transfer of the 77 passengers to a nearby vessel, which attended the distress call within 10 minutes, was undertaken quickly and effectively by the master and crew.

On 19 November 2020, a class 3B fishing vessel grounded on a beach after the master and two deckhands, fell asleep. The investigation identified that there was no clear procedure for standing watch. Fatigue also contributed to the poor decisions made by the crew around who was supposed to be on watch that morning.

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.

Outlines the dangers of using weighted heaving lines when transferring mooring lines to tugs and shore linespersons

Arrangements between government and industry under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies to respond to shipping casualties.

We inspect domestic commercial vessels to ensure crew, vessel, and operational safety.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2018–19.

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.

AMSA has a fair, and non-discriminatory procurement complaints handling process.

It’s important to maintain your lifejacket according to the manufacturer’s instructions so it works when you need it.

A charter fishing vessel proceeding to a fishing spot began experiencing progressively worsening weather conditions and water ingress. Despite the owner’s warning prior to departure and passenger complaints, the master continued to the fishing destination. Strong winds and waves hampered anchoring, with water accumulating on deck through the transom door to the point of flooding. The vessel’s EPIRB was deployed, and a rescue helicopter attended, winching the master and passengers to safety.

What changes to Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014 (MO54) did we seek feedback on?

This Marine Notice reminds shipowners, operators, masters, crews, recognised organisations, marine pilots and pilotage providers about their obligation to provide and ensure continued safe pilot transfer arrangements on ships.