There are mandatory minimum requirements for your certificates under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (STCW).

A guide to our privacy policy.

The National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (National Plan) is managed under governance arrangements which ensure accountability, coordination and integration with stakeholders.

Our stance is that shipping containers lost from ships are a cause of pollution in the marine environment.

Serious injury to pilot on class 2 vessel in poor weather conditions

We administer the national law, regulations and marine orders in implementing the national system.

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.

The 2019-20 Australian Vessel Traffic Services Award was awarded to Warren Bath, VTS Operator at Hay Point, Queensland, for his coordination of an incident involving a bulk carrier.

1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 - xlsx

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).

Guidance on revalidating Australian certificates of competency and proficiency issued in compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

You need to revalidate your STCW CoP or CoC every 5 years. The exact requirements depend on your certificate, sea service and training.

Enhanced fishing gear requirements are being developed in talks at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).