Understand the state of the Australian maritime workforce. Find out how many domestic and international seafarers are certificated by AMSA to work in Australia.

Passenger sustains injury from poorly rigged gangway.

This procedure outlines the process for Registered training organisations to offer recognition of prior learning to students of AMSA approved courses.

Disconnection of LPG system the source of explosion on a houseboat

A powered barge with a mounted crane became unstable and capsized in 3.5 metres of water during lifting operations of a concrete structure.

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.

The Australian states and territories work with us to coordinate an effective search and rescue (SAR) service.

We have issued an updated marine notice for Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) in Torres Strait. This notice outlines the management framework, summarises the responsibilities and reminds all coastal pilots transiting ships when they are required to use the Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system.

Australia has an interest in ensuring that the ships which visit our ports and transit our waters are seaworthy, have competent crews, and are able to safely navigate through our sensitive marine areas.

All ships must follow the requirements of MARPOL Annex V when discharging cargo residue.

Under the National Plan, we have marine pollution response equipment positioned in strategic locations around Australia to support response to an incident.

Download a list of DCVs that hold a certificate of survey or exemption here.

A Class 1 passenger vessel’s port engine caught fire whilst northeast of Fraser Island with 82 passengers and crew onboard. The investigation found that regular planned engine maintenance, in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, was not in place at the time of the incident. The crew’s response to the incident was immediate and effective. The transfer of the 77 passengers to a nearby vessel, which attended the distress call within 10 minutes, was undertaken quickly and effectively by the master and crew.

On 19 November 2020, a class 3B fishing vessel grounded on a beach after the master and two deckhands, fell asleep. The investigation identified that there was no clear procedure for standing watch. Fatigue also contributed to the poor decisions made by the crew around who was supposed to be on watch that morning.

On Sunday 9 January 2012, the cargo vessel the MV Tycoon broke free from its mooring at Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island, and washed against the seawall and nearby cliff face. The ship had been loading phosphate at the time of the incident.

Outlines the dangers of using weighted heaving lines when transferring mooring lines to tugs and shore linespersons

Arrangements between government and industry under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies to respond to shipping casualties.

We inspect domestic commercial vessels to ensure crew, vessel, and operational safety.