This marine notice highlights the need for shipowners, operators, masters and crews to ensure safe working arrangements are in place for any work involving height and the risk of falling.

Marine Order 503 (Certificates of survey – national law) 2018 (MO503) outlines when a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) needs a certificate of survey, and related survey requirements. These requirements help ensure that commercial vessels operating in Australia are safe and seaworthy.

We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 503 (Certificates of survey - national law). Marine Order 503 (Certificates of survey – national law) 2018 (MO503) outlines certificate of survey requirements for domestic commercial vessels (DCVs). These requirements help ensure that commercial vessels operating in Australia are safe and seaworthy. MO503 consultation.

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.

Our focus is on delivering better practice regulation so we can support safe vessel operations, and combat marine pollution.

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.

We are responsible for providing navigational systems and services to facilitate the safe and efficient navigation of ships within Australian waters.

In September 2017 the Western Australian Department of Transport ran Exercise Ningaloo Challenge, which was the largest and most complex maritime environmental emergency response exercise ever conducted in WA.

We have memorandums of understanding with state and territory health regulators to provide a safe working environment in all Australian commercial maritime environments.