We have conducted these inspection campaigns in the past, focusing on specific deficiencies and outcomes.

A garbage management plan is an effective way to reduce garbage generated on board and ensure its effective disposal, to protect our marine environment. Under Australian maritime legislation it is mandatory for certain vessels to carry a garbage management plan.

The 278th meeting of the Board was held virtually via MS Teams on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention for addressing ship sourced pollution.

On 6 November 2021, while enroute, a passenger charter (Class 1E) vessel’s inadequately secured swim platform gate opened when a passenger and toddler leant against it causing the two passengers to fall into the water. The investigation identified that there was no locking bolt on the gate, no risk assessments and no passenger verification procedures in place. 

On 22 January 1982 at approximately 9 pm, the oil tanker Esso Gippsland was in the process of loading at Port Stanvac jetty, South Australia, when a large quantity of industrial fuel oil leaked from the air vent and ullage port of its no.2 starboard tank.

Discover how we’re tackling the challenges around Operation Recovery—YM Efficiency.

Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead of Maritime Safety Queensland.

On the evening of 29 May 2022, a commercial fishing vessel was on a voyage from Mackay to Cairns when the master noticed an auxiliary engine alarm. Upon lifting the engine room hatch, the master saw smoke and an orange glow and the engine room subsequently caught fire. The master quickly made the decision that they would not be able to fight the fire without jeopardising their safety and abandoned ship. An SMS risk assessment on appropriate crewing on a voyage greater than 12 hours duration should be undertaken in these situations.

On 21 August 2019, a landing barge (operated as a Class 1E and 2D) capsized while transiting from Great Mackerel Beach to Pittwater north of Sydney.

Read about the changes we have made to the NSCV since 2020.

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

In rough weather, early in the morning of 24 May, about 50 containers were lost overboard from the Singapore-flagged container ship APL England. Read our regular updates.

Learn how to control the risk of fatigue to your crew and your operation.

Guidance for mariners and port stakeholders on the difference between a vessel traffic service (VTS) and a local port service.

The inaugural Australian VTS Award saw Brisbane VTS operators Todd Stewart and Ricky Blake commended for their actions, which had a profound impact on the outcome of two men and a young boy lost at sea.

We will conduct a focused inspection campaign on lifejacket risk assessment requirements on DCVs.

Getting hooked-up is one of the most dangerous situations you can experience on a trawler. Be prepared. Knowing what you and your crew need to do can save lives.