If you are a Traditional Inhabitant of the Torres Strait and use your TIB to catch seafood and sell it, your boat is being used as a domestic commercial vessel. This page explains what that means, when you can use the TIB-specific exemption, and the steps you must follow to operate safely and legally.

Find out what was discussed at decarbonisation roundtables attended by shipping industry representatives. By hosting these roundtables, AMSA aims to foster collaboration in the Australian shipping industry as it transitions away from carbon-based fuels.

In Australia, domestic commercial vessels are regulated under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (national law act). The National Law Act underpins the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety (national system).

Under Marine Order 503 a transitional vessel is an existing vessel that has: 

AMSA is pleased to be a sponsor of the 2023 annual conference of the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand (MLAANZ), 4-6 October.

The global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) connects you to coast stations and vessels via satellite and radio communications when you're out at sea.

At AMSA, we believe in supporting you to be the best version of yourself.

Download and print guidance for international certificates.

AMSA approved training organisations delivering Continued competence (Certificate of Safety Training) (COST).

Advice on maintaining rescue boats in working order.

The Vessel Traffic Services Advisory Group (VTSAG) discusses matters relating to Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) in Australia.

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.

Guidance for VTS providers on the qualifications and training of VTS personnel in Australia.

The type of EPIRB you need depends on vessel class, length, flotation and operating area.

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.

Learn how to get copies of documents certified for your certificate application.