From 1 July 2018, new survey requirements for domestic commercial vessels apply. This includes changes to marine order 503 to apply the new periodic survey requirements to all vessels required to be in survey—existing, transitional and new vessels.

How to calculate your sea service in trailer hopper suction dredgers operating in ports, inshore and in limited near coastal areas.

Some vessels do not have to be surveyed. Depending on the type of vessel, you may need to apply for approval to operate.

Find out how to complete the Coxswain Grade 3 declaration (AMSA form 1882) and the on-water tasks required.

In this edition we look at the most common reasons for certificate of survey refusal.

Do a lifejacket risk assessment. Your safety, and the safety of your passengers and crew, depends on it. Wearing a lifejacket can help prevent a tragic incident.

Our regulatory program is prepared annually and contains details of planned and completed changes to our regulatory instruments

Recent public consultations which are now closed.

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In 2024–25, our compliance activities focused on high-risk areas identified through safety data and guided by the National Compliance Plan. This summary reports our progress and key outcomes in these priority areas.

In this edition we explain correct and incorrect use of conditions.

In this edition we talk about voluntary suspension: a practical option when you’re not surveying, survey process for Exemption 2 Division 5 vessels applying for a certificate of survey and survey code update in MARS: survey flexibility rollout.

In this edition we talk about recent surveyor audits.

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

Find out how domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) performed on safety, training, risk assessment and more during our focussed inspections campaign on hazardous gases.

Feedback from stakeholders about proposed changes to Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements) 2018 (MO504) relating to safety management systems (SMS).

If you are serving or have served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as a Maritime Warfare Officer, this information explains how to qualify for an International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarer (STCW) certificate of competency for a: Chief mate Master less than 3000 GT Master