In this edition we talk about recent surveyor audits.

Read a transcript of the webinar 'Changes to safety management systems requirements' held 19 March 2025.

A fire occurred on a passenger vessel in a busy harbour. The master and crew took immediate action and followed emergency procedures to disembark and transfer 73 passengers safely to another ferry. The vessel’s structural and fixed firefighting systems worked effectively to contain and extinguish the fire.

We are responsible for approving coastal pilotage training providers and courses.

Our scholarship program supports the development of skills in the maritime industry and builds our brand as an employer of choice.

In the early afternoon of 30 May 2022, a hire and drive sailing catamaran began to take on water before sinking shortly after departing the marina. Onboard was the charterer, their family and a briefer who was in control of the vessel. The investigation established that following recent maintenance, an inspection plate had not been replaced, allowing water ingress. It was further identified that the charter company’s maintenance procedures did not suitably document handing over and/or tagging of removed items during maintenance work.

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

Get the latest insights from vessel inspections including detentions, common safety risks and compliance performance. 

The 275th meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, in Canberra, ACT.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the Commonwealth statutory body with responsibility for establishing and maintaining marine aids to navigation (AtoN) pursuant to section 190 of the Navigation Act 2012 (Cth).

These are the deficiencies for MARPOL that our inspectors have found.

Find out what the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) covers and how it's implemented in Australia.

This five-year outlook of future action covers specific industry issues, international developments, priorities for standards, and legislative expiries.

A passenger vessel collided with an unseen rock, resulting in the injury of a passenger. The master navigated the vessel into unfamiliar waters that was not a normal or planned part of the passenger tour experience, and not authorised by the tour company. Owners and operators should ensure masters continue to conform to the planned or authorised route for the services they offer.

Find out about the automatic identification system (AIS).

On the evening of 2 April 2022, a Sydney Harbour ferry was operating a regular route between Manly and Circular Quay. A group of young males were exhibiting risk taking behaviour on the deck during adverse weather conditions. One of the group jumped, stumbled, and fell overboard without a lifejacket. The master came about and followed the ferry track back at dead slow to find the person overboard (POB). The POB had the presence of mind to use his mobile phone torch light in the dark to alert the master of his presence and was rescued.

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.

This marine notice draws attention to responsible navigational practices which masters and officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships operating in Australian waters should follow.

Following a report to AMSA, and subsequent investigation, the Pax Phoenix was fined for illegally discharging oily water into the marine environment near Holbourne Island, Queensland on 2 September 2001.