A Class 1 passenger vessel’s port engine caught fire whilst northeast of Fraser Island with 82 passengers and crew onboard. The investigation found that regular planned engine maintenance, in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, was not in place at the time of the incident. The crew’s response to the incident was immediate and effective. The transfer of the 77 passengers to a nearby vessel, which attended the distress call within 10 minutes, was undertaken quickly and effectively by the master and crew.

In this edition we talk about audits and application assessments, compass adjustment requirements, uncrewed barges and more.

At AMSA, we believe in supporting you to be the best version of yourself.

The 273rd meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 in Canberra, ACT.

The inaugural Australian VTS Award saw Brisbane VTS operators Todd Stewart and Ricky Blake commended for their actions, which had a profound impact on the outcome of two men and a young boy lost at sea.

Our search and rescue modules provide background information as well as information about preparation, principles of how to conduct a search and rescue operation and how to respond to specific kinds of emergency.

Monitoring an oil spill is necessary to address concerns raised about its effects and the impact of the associated cleanup response.

Advice about the maximum continuous period that a seafarer can serve on board a vessel without taking leave.

Maritime discharges of oil and noxious liquid substances during emergencies and pollution response situations.

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

ECDIS familiarisation ensures that master and navigating officers are familiar with the specific make and model of the ECDIS equipment onboard (including backup) before taking charge of a navigational watch.

We collect and analyse information from reported marine incidents to improve safety across the maritime industry.

The 2019-20 Australian Vessel Traffic Services Award was awarded to Warren Bath, VTS Operator at Hay Point, Queensland, for his coordination of an incident involving a bulk carrier.

Find out how to complete the Coxswain Grade 3 declaration (AMSA form 1882) and the on-water tasks required.

All ships must follow the requirements of MARPOL Annex V when discharging cargo residue.

Accurate weight declaration for cargo containers is a critical safety issue. Shippers must provide a verified gross mass for containers.

This safety alert draws the attention of vessel operators to the importance of planned maintenance in ensuring safe operation of domestic commercial vessels.