These instructions for ship registration and transfer of ownership are provided for ship brokers and agents.

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.

Find out the requirements you need to fulfill to obtain an international endorsement.

Learn how non-shipborne AIS units are managed and find out what’s required to apply to operate a base station or AtoN in Australia.

The establishment of Australia's search and rescue (SAR) response system.

Middleton Kirwasi Gwaday travelled from his home country Papua New Guinea to complete a master's degree in Sweden.

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

Australia has an interest in ensuring that the ships which visit our ports and transit our waters are seaworthy, have competent crews, and are able to safely navigate through our sensitive marine areas.

Australia can request and receive information on vessels travelling within 1000 nautical miles off its coast.

Proof of identity is required when applying for a certificate of competency or seafarer’s service book.

How to meet the medical requirements for domestic seafarer certificates

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

We are responsible for responding to marine oil spills and supporting the National Plan for Maritime Emergency partners in doing the same within their jurisdictions.

We are the Australian Government agency responsible for implementing the 1 January 2020 low sulphur fuel regulation as set out in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

When Port Hedland VTS received notification of four people clinging to a vessel in the anchorage zone, they wasted no time co-ordinating local assets to effect a rescue worthy of a nomination for the Australian VTS Award.

Preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships.

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

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