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.

DCV Safety Alert: 1/2021 aims to raise awareness of recommendations made by the United States, National Transportation Safety Board, following the investigation into the fire and subsequent loss of the passenger vessel Conception.

The purpose of this notice is to remind vessel owners, operators and masters of:

Survey vessels in these classes are required to carry a Scale G first aid kit on board: 1D (with unberthed passengers), 1E (with unberthed passengers), 2D, 2E, 3D and 3E.

Survey passenger vessels with offshore operations (Class 1B) are required to carry a Scale D medical cabinet and a Scale F first aid kit on board.

Survey vessels in these classes are required to carry a Scale F first aid kit on board: 1B, 1C (with unberthed passengers), 1D (with berthed passengers), 1E (with berthed passengers), 2B, 2C, 3B and 3C.

Read previous AMSA update editions from 2025

The North-East Shipping Management Plan identifies actions based on information about the nature of shipping activity in the north-east region as well as the experience and knowledge of members of the North-East Water Space Management Working Group.

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

AMSA and the Bureau of Meteorology provide vessels with maritime safety information (MSI) about hazards and foreseeable dangers to safe navigation through Australia's marine environment.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2017–18.

Survey passenger vessels with offshore operations Class 1C (with berthed passengers), 2B and 3B, are required to carry a Scale E medical cabinet and a Scale F First aid kit on board.

Read the latest news from AMSA.

Ships registered on the Australian general shipping register have Australian nationality.

Using an advanced under keel clearance management (UKCM) system will reduce your chances of running aground.

January - March 2026There were 335 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in Quarter 1 of 2026. Of these, 44 were serious and 1 very serious.

Reminding those who own, operate or are on board Australian ships, about offences under Australian sanction laws. The information has been prepared by the Australian Sanctions Office.