On 6 October 2022, two crewmembers were setting cray pots on the port and starboard side of a fishing vessel. During one setting, the crewmember’s foot (on the port side) became entangled in the cray pot’s rope dragging them over the side. The second crewmember raised the alarm and the master immediately stopped the vessel and instructed the crewmember to attach the line to the pot winch. The master and crewmember, having conducted regular emergency procedure drills, quickly raised the person overboard (PoB) via the pot winch, deployed the overboard ladder, and cut the rope. The PoB sustained some water in the lungs but was otherwise unharmed.

An explosion occurred on a charter fishing vessel whilst berthed. The investigation identified that the ignition source was a lithium-ion battery that was not holding charge connected to a battery charger in a way that bypassed the battery management safety system. The vessel was beyond repair following the explosion.

From 1 May 2023 to 30 June 2023, we will undertake a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on planned maintenance requirements for domestic commercial vessels (DCVs).

About the feedback we received on the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety transition.

Middleton Kirwasi Gwaday travelled from his home country Papua New Guinea to complete a master's degree in Sweden.

During a private charter a passenger fell down a stairwell and sustained serious injuries. The area around the top of the stairwell had a recess that reduced the floor area slightly and could be missed during movements. The stairs themselves were not found to be contributory to this incident. However, the spiral design proved problematic for providing post-incident medical assistance for the passenger. Any area that may present a safety risk to passengers onboard a vessel should be risk assessed, with appropriate control measures put in place to ensure passenger safety.

Procedures for STCW courses provided by Registered training organisations including e-learning, distance learning and blended learning, GMDSS ROC and short courses.

The content of the Engineer cadet program including certificate and short courses, qualifying sea service and medical fitness.

A 7.5m punt (flat bottomed vessel) used for aquaculture operations contacted a marina at speed, injuring 4 people onboard.

A crew member’s arm was crushed between the vessel and a pylon while tending to mooring lines.

A fire occurred on a passenger vessel in a busy harbour. The master and crew took immediate action and followed emergency procedures to disembark and transfer 73 passengers safely to another ferry. The vessel’s structural and fixed firefighting systems worked effectively to contain and extinguish the fire.

On 21 May 1990 an extensive oil slick was sighted approximately four nautical miles south-east of Cape Otway by the pilot of a light aircraft. The Australian-flagged tanker Arthur Phillip was later established as the source of the spill.

We offer nationally recognised units of competency in marine pollution response and incident management.

This figure describes Modern Slavery Risks

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.

Disconnection of LPG system the source of explosion on a houseboat

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