The short-term measure under the MARPOL Convention requires ships engaged on international voyages to make improvements to deliver a reduction in their carbon intensity by an average of at least 40% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels), in line with the target set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Our regulatory program is prepared annually and contains details of planned and completed changes to our regulatory instruments.

This marine notice draws attention to important information regarding the proper operation of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), including the importance of adequate and up to date Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), for ships visiting Australian ports.

This marine notice advises vessel owners, vessel operators, masters, officers, seafarer training organisations and industry organisations that AMSA does not consider electronic visual distress signals (EVDs) to be a suitable replacement for pyrotechnic distress signals.

A charter fishing vessel proceeding to a fishing spot began experiencing progressively worsening weather conditions and water ingress. Despite the owner’s warning prior to departure and passenger complaints, the master continued to the fishing destination. Strong winds and waves hampered anchoring, with water accumulating on deck through the transom door to the point of flooding. The vessel’s EPIRB was deployed, and a rescue helicopter attended, winching the master and passengers to safety.

Standards for maintaining buoyancy after flooding, grounding, or collision.

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.

A summary of the effects of oil and dispersed oil on temperate sea grasses.

Our regulatory program is prepared annually and contains details of planned and completed changes to our regulatory instruments.

Find out about the special arrangements for vessels which meet the definition of ‘tender’ under the national law.

We are responsible for handling health and safety issues for personnel on prescribed ships that are engaged in trade or commerce on international and domestic voyages.

We make a range of information available for public access. You can also formally request access to documents we hold under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

Carry the type of lifejacket required for your vessel's highest service category. You can choose self-inflating, manual inflating or foam buoyancy lifejackets.

We have four Bombardier Challenger 604 jet aircraft for search and rescue. The Challengers are based out of Perth, Melbourne and Cairns.

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.

Read a transcript of the webinar 'Changes to safety management systems requirements' held 19 March 2025.

We work with government and industry to respond to pollution incidents under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies.