The RFL applies to most sea-going vessels operating in Australia. It helps fund the cost of safety activities, such as vessel inspections and surveys.

An unexpected wind-shift during parasailing operations caused 2 airborne passengers to contact the water at speed. They were recovered by the vessel and returned to shore. Both passengers later informed the operator that they had sustained injuries during the event. The owner then failed to report this as a marine incident to us.

The 278th meeting of the Board was held virtually via MS Teams on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

Outlines the dangers of using weighted heaving lines when transferring mooring lines to tugs and shore linespersons

Advice about the maximum continuous period that a seafarer can serve on board a vessel without taking leave.

The Australian states and territories work with us to coordinate an effective search and rescue (SAR) service.

Take this short online tutorial to learn more about the automatic identification system (AIS).

Find safety equipment guides for non-survey vessels based on class and type of operation.

Australian-flagged ships which are detained by foreign port State control authorities overseas must notify AMSA.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2016–17.

Small uncrewed autonomous vessels operating in C, D, or E waters.

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The criteria for issue to a person of a restricted pilot licence, for a stated pilotage area and a stated draught limit, are that the person: 

This agreement sets out the plan for how Australia will respond to marine pollution spills in Australian waters.