A passenger ferry was returning from its scheduled service when an unanticipated wave raised its stern and caused its bow to dive under the water. Water rushed over the bow and a significant amount came through the forward portside access door and into the passenger compartment. The master immediately reduced speed, which expelled most of the water overboard. The forward portside access door had been left open by a crew member who was attempting to alleviate sea sickness among some passengers. The action of leaving the door open during the voyage was contrary to the vessel’s survey requirements. Signage requiring the door to be kept closed when underway was reportedly not seen by crew members. This resulted in water entering the vessel creating a potentially unsafe situation.

A Class 1 passenger vessel’s port engine caught fire whilst northeast of Fraser Island with 82 passengers and crew onboard. The investigation found that regular planned engine maintenance, in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, was not in place at the time of the incident. The crew’s response to the incident was immediate and effective. The transfer of the 77 passengers to a nearby vessel, which attended the distress call within 10 minutes, was undertaken quickly and effectively by the master and crew.

The following definitions explain the terms used specifically in the Maritime Training (MT) series documents for Registered training organisations (RTOs)

It’s important to maintain your lifejacket according to the manufacturer’s instructions so it works when you need it.

We have approved these courses if you want to qualify for a certificate under international training conventions.

Download a list of DCVs that hold a certificate of survey or exemption here.

Ships that are not operated and managed to meet applicable standards, and relevant Australian laws, pose an increased risk to seafarers, other ships and the marine environment. These ships may be refused access or granted conditional entry to Australian ports

This Marine Notice reminds vessel masters, owners and operators about the coastal pilotage requirements that apply within the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, as prescribed in Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014 (MO54).

The National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (the National Plan) was reviewed in 2023-2024. The review made 11 recommendations.

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

If special circumstances mean that you require an extension of time for your vessel's periodic survey, you can make an application under for Marine Safety (Periodic survey, equipment certification and compass adjustment) Exemption (Exemption 06).

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) governs the agreed minimum requirements for handling and transport of cargoes and dangerous goods.

Find out if you can get an equivalent certificate for your New Zealand engineering certificate of competency.

Operators and crew of these types of operations face unique safety challenges and risk.

This safety alert aims to raise awareness of the risk involved with getting on and off domestic commercial vessels.

This consultation feedback report is based on submissions to us via an online form and Facebook.

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.