The minimum certification and qualifications required by lecturers to deliver our approved courses for the issue of an AMSA STCW Certificate. These requirements are in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping 1978, as amended (STCW).

Learn about our oral exams and how to make a booking.

The purpose of this marine notice is to draw attention to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers, which were released on 19 April 2024.

Using an advanced under keel clearance management (UKCM) system will reduce your chances of running aground.

Australia's national search and rescue (SAR) engagement—how we collaborate with the SAR community.

Domestic commercial fishing vessels may transit between the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Norfolk island and the Australian mainland.

As a statutory authority, we work with the guidance of legislation.

Chemical dispersants are one of the response tools available during oil spill responses.

Find out about permitted tolerance, enforcement of requirements and how we will deal with delays in transmitting the VGM electronically.

Operators and crew of these types of operations face unique safety challenges and risk.

We are a Commonwealth statutory authority which provides services to the Australian maritime industry. Sometimes we need to seek the help and support of private companies to deliver our services.

Our register disclosing gifts and benefits

A charter fishing vessel proceeding to a fishing spot began experiencing progressively worsening weather conditions and water ingress. Despite the owner’s warning prior to departure and passenger complaints, the master continued to the fishing destination. Strong winds and waves hampered anchoring, with water accumulating on deck through the transom door to the point of flooding. The vessel’s EPIRB was deployed, and a rescue helicopter attended, winching the master and passengers to safety.

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.

Read about the changes we have made to the NSCV since 2020.

DCV operators: Learn how to develop a fatigue management plan. This is a requirement under the national law for Class 1, 2 and 3 vessels, including those eligible for a simplified SMS.

From 1 January 2022, AMSA will provide 24-hour nationwide monitoring of high frequency (HF) radiotelephone distress, urgency and safety communications in Australia.

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.

The Maritine Agencies Forum (MAF) provides a forum for collaboration on maritime safety and other issues.

We gather feedback through consultative committees and public consultation. Feedback from individuals, organisations and government is an important part of policy development and regulatory change.