A charter vessel transiting between research sites at night collided with a stationary vessel. The stationary vessel’s master claimed to have an anchor light on, but the crew of the charter vessel stated they did not see any navigation lights. The master of the stationary vessel was preparing food on the vessel at the time and may have obstructed the anchor light view from the charter vessel’s crew. The master of the charter vessel was found to have been operating at high speed given the conditions (night operations). This also rendered the lookout ineffective.

In this edition, learn more about the new NSCV C2 and Marine Order 97.

Instructions for accredited surveyors to conduct surveys and inspections of domestic commercial vessels.

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

As a regulatory body, we are required to publish a range of information about our functions and how we carry them out. We do this under the information publication scheme.

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

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

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

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.

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).

We are making changes to Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements – national law) 2018 (Marine order 504) to clarify requirements for monitoring and accounting for passengers on domestic commercial vessels.

Safety Lessons from Marine Incident Investigation (AMSA Report) No.34 - February 2025

On 1 October 1973, the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (National Plan) came into operation.

Disconnection of LPG system the source of explosion on a houseboat

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.

Generic equivalent solutions (GES) support national standards by allowing the use of new technology and other solutions.

ECDIS familiarisation ensures that master and navigating officers are familiar with the specific make and model of the ECDIS equipment onboard (including backup) before taking charge of a navigational watch.

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.