Common questions about the National Standard for Commercial Vessels, Part C–Design and construction, Section 2, Watertight and weathertight integrity.

PurposeA reminder of the requirements to test and maintain fuel isolation valves for multi-engine installations.

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.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2016–17.

If you have an offer of employment on a ship registered on the Australian International Shipping Register (AISR), you may need a certificate of equivalence (CoE). A CoE allows you to work on an AISR-registered ship using your overseas STCW certificate, without an AMSA-issued certificate of competency or certificate of recognition.

Safety Alert: 02/2021 aims to raise awareness of correct use of hydrostatic release units, for both float-free life rafts and float-free EPIRBS.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2013–14.

Proof of identity is required when applying for a certificate of competency or seafarer’s service book.

In this edition we talk about marine surveyor accreditation renewals, a marine safety incident and a safety recall notice.

We are responsible for leading national policy on vessel traffic services (VTS).

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

AMSA surveyor’s will be using the checklist below when inspecting ships as part of our livestock ships focused inspection campaign.

All domestic commercial vessels under the national law are required to meet design, construction, stability and equipment standards.

Overview of the international and domestic legislation and standards that apply in Australia.

The provision of adequate port waste reception facilities for ship-generated waste is vital to preventing marine pollution.

If you have a boat, you may be considering hiring it out for overnight accommodation via an online platform—for example, Airbnb, Beds on Board or Flotespace—whether at a marina berth, or at a mooring.

Under Marine Order 503 a transitional vessel is an existing vessel that has: 

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