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.

A lone cray fisher was heading for shelter during poor weather. He had been working for 17 hours without rest. While nearing the planned anchor point, the master fell asleep at the helm and the vessel continued on, running aground on the rocky shoreline.

Using an advanced under keel clearance management (UKCM) system will reduce your chances of running aground.

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

Australia can request and receive information on vessels travelling within 1000 nautical miles off its coast.

Read a summary of results from the 2024 consultation on Marine Order 91 and download a copy of the full report.

This feedback report summarises submissions we received on the proposed changes to Marine Order 27.

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

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Ships that are not operated and managed to meet applicable standards, and relevant Australian laws, pose an increased risk to seafarers, other ships and the marine environment. These ships may be refused access or granted conditional entry to Australian ports

On 16 March 2022, a class 2B landing barge collided with a starboard channel marker. The investigation identified that the previous swing engineer did not inform the incoming engineer that the port main engine cooling water suction valve was shut. After getting underway, the engine began to overheat. This distracted the master from monitoring the vessel’s intended track. The vessel’s safety management system did not have an appropriate engineering handover procedure.

The Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A updates the Red Ensign Group Large Yacht Code (LY3 Code) and applies to yachts and training vessels, carrying not more than 12 passengers, and details the conventions these vessels must comply with in Australia.

Advice about the maximum continuous period that a seafarer can serve on board a vessel without taking leave.

In 2024, a range of vessel stability issues caused a trawler to roll over. The master had not followed the vessel’s stability book properly. The investigation also found that the stability book didn’t meet relevant standards.

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

Designing, selecting, and testing anchoring systems.

Australia Bay Seafoods General Manager and career fisherman Michael O’Brien, talks to AMSA about how the tragic loss of life with the capsizing of FV Dianne and FV Cassandra prompted them to reinforce their approach to safety.

Australia is a part of the International Maritime Organization — maritime safety and marine pollution prevention are more effective when carried out internationally.

Follow these steps if you want to take a DCV overseas for dry docking, sale or delivery.