AMSA Connect phone services may have longer wait times on Monday 1 June 2026 while we operate with reduced staffing due to the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday in Canberra. Our search and rescue team will continue to operate during this time.
Feedback from stakeholders about proposed changes to Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements) 2018 (MO504) relating to safety management systems (SMS).
A passenger vessel collided with an unseen rock, resulting in the injury of a passenger. The master navigated the vessel into unfamiliar waters that was not a normal or planned part of the passenger tour experience, and not authorised by the tour company.
Owners and operators should ensure masters continue to conform to the planned or authorised route for the services they offer.
In Australia, domestic commercial vessels are regulated under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (national law act). The National Law Act underpins the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety (national system).
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention for addressing ship sourced pollution.
Seafarers often spend many months working away from family and friends with this situation being made worse if the vessel they are engaged on is involved in a maritime accident
Guidance on crewing of domestic commercial vessels as per Schedule 1 Clause 6 - Appropriate crewing and Clause 8 - Minimum crewing of Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation - national law) 2024. Schedule 1 applies to all vessels other than class 4 vessels.
On 21 May 1990 an extensive oil slick was sighted approximately four nautical miles south-east of Cape Otway by the pilot of a light aircraft. The Australian-flagged tanker Arthur Phillip was later established as the source of the spill.