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.
Read about the results of the consultation on new reporting rules for lost and observed freight containers at sea, mainly affecting Marine Order 27 (MO27)
On 6 February 1988 the Hong Kong registered bulk carrier Sir Alexander Glen lost approximately 450 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the waters off Port Walcott, Western Australia when a bunker tank was holed by the ship's anchor.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a safety recall for certain Life Jacket Solutions (LJS) and Marlin lifejackets fitted with Halkey Roberts 3F Single Point Manual Inflators. This is due to a safety defect that may prevent proper inflation, posing a drowning risk.
Risk assessments help identify why, when and where lifejackets need to be worn during vessel operations. Wearing a lifejacket can help prevent a tragic incident.
A lone cray fisher was heading for shelter during poor weather. He had been working for 17 hours without rest. While nearing the planned anchor point, the master fell asleep at the helm and the vessel continued on, running aground on the rocky shoreline.
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.