Before you begin operating your vessel, you must follow our requirements.

A master or owner of a vessel may apply for an exemption from the requirement to navigate a vessel with a licensed pilot in a compulsory pilotage area

A charter vessel with passengers was conducting a cruise around Sydney Harbour when it narrowly missed an unlit runabout at night. The vessel ran aground, and two attempts to tow the vessel off the sandbank were unsuccessful. The investigation found that the master did not risk-assess the route and respective conditions. The vessel safety management system provided the master with no clear direction on safe routes to follow. The command, control, and communication with and between the crew in relation to emergency procedures and response was ineffective.

We implement the regulations under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 in Australia via supporting legislation which applies to all commercial vessels.

We have read and answered your questions about the new requirements for domestic commercial vessels that carry passengers.

On 30 August 1992 the fuel tank of Era was ruptured by the bow of the tug Turmoil during berthing operations at Port Bonython, South Australia, during high winds. Approximately 300 tonnes of bunker fuel was released into Spencer Gulf.

In this edition we provide advice on how to send us large files, what to do if you receive a complaint about a survey, provide guidance on battery safety, and more.

Why you need a maritime mobile service identity (MMSI), and how to apply for one.

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

A guide to our privacy policy.

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

Guidance for calculating your sea service equivalence if you are a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Rating (specialist seaman department), Maritime Warfare Officer (Maritime Warfare department) or RAN Leading Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer or Warrant Officer (Marine Engineering or Electrical Technical department).

Read a summary of results from the consultation on Marine Order 28 (Operations standards and procedures) and download a copy of the full report.

Lives continue to be lost every year in Australia when people go overboard from vessels, without a lifejacket. The simple truth is lifejackets save lives, but only if they’re worn. It’s time to get on board with lifejacket safety.

Descriptions of the courses available to responders under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies.

All ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages must collect data on fuel consumption, distance travelled and hours underway.

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.

The Sanko Harvest struck a reef off Esperance, Western Australia on 14 February 1991, and broke up over the next fortnight.

Figure 1Figure 2Figure 3Figure 4Figure 5