A 2C rescue vessel was preparing to depart a river entrance bar with 11 people onboard. The observed sea state was a wave height (breaking) of 1.4 to 1.8 metres. The entrance bar had a moderate to high level of congestion of jet skis and surfboard riders positioned within the aids to navigation departure leads. The vessel came within very close proximity to surfers on 3 occasions whilst negotiating the breaking sea conditions. The vessel then broached upon a wave resulting in the vessel heeling to port and becoming unable to be controlled due to the force of the wave.

We engage with national, domestic, regional and international stakeholders to develop a best practice Australian search and rescue (SAR) system.

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.

In this edition, learn more about the new NSCV C2 and Marine Order 97.

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

Find out how New Zealand STCW seafarer certificates compare to Australian STCW seafarer certificates.

On 29 October 1981 the 213-metre 16,336 gross tonnage Ro-Ro container vessel, Anro Asia, grounded near the northern tip of Bribie Island while entering Moreton Bay.

Guidance for VTS providers on the qualifications and training of VTS personnel in Australia.

Find out how to complete the Coxswain Grade 3 declaration (AMSA form 1882) and the on-water tasks required.

Standards for domestic commercial vessels, largely replaced by the NSCV for new vessels.

On 6 November 2021, while enroute, a passenger charter (Class 1E) vessel’s inadequately secured swim platform gate opened when a passenger and toddler leant against it causing the two passengers to fall into the water. The investigation identified that there was no locking bolt on the gate, no risk assessments and no passenger verification procedures in place. 

There are mandatory minimum requirements for your certificates under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (STCW).

Find out how domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) performed on safety, crew training, incident reporting and more during our focussed inspections campaign on towage operations.

These guidelines aim to assist small1 DCV operations to undertake a risk assessment as part of the vessel’s safety management system.