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.

We have issued an updated marine notice for Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) in Torres Strait. This notice outlines the management framework, summarises the responsibilities and reminds all coastal pilots transiting ships when they are required to use the Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system.

On 30 August 1992 the fuel tank of Era was ruptured by the bow of the tug Turmoil during berthing operations at Port Bonython, South Australia, during high winds. Approximately 300 tonnes of bunker fuel was released into Spencer Gulf.

Dynamic separation can cause your vessel to become unbalanced and tip over. Find out how you can avoid this happening.

During a private charter a passenger fell down a stairwell and sustained serious injuries. The area around the top of the stairwell had a recess that reduced the floor area slightly and could be missed during movements. The stairs themselves were not found to be contributory to this incident. However, the spiral design proved problematic for providing post-incident medical assistance for the passenger. Any area that may present a safety risk to passengers onboard a vessel should be risk assessed, with appropriate control measures put in place to ensure passenger safety.

This applies to approved Registered training organisations (RTOs) delivering International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping training leading to a certificate of competency.

This feedback report summarises submissions on proposed changes to NSCV C1 – Wheelhouse visibility, escape, accommodation and personal safety.

The 277th meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, in Hobart, Tasmania.

Commonwealth legislation requires a verified gross mass (VGM) be supplied before a container can be loaded onto a ship.

Check current fees for STCW certificates, assessments and related services. All fees are in Australian dollars (AUD).

Report of the Incident Analysis team into the response by the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and hazardous Substances, to the Montara Wellhead Platform incident, March 2010.

How to get a engineering qualifications recognized if you are a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) seaman officer.

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.

Mandatory coastal pilotage is a protective measure used in environmentally fragile or areas potentially hazardous to navigation.