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

Do you want to take paying passengers on tours or between islands? If so, your boat is a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) and must be approved by AMSA.

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

This marine notice highlights shipowners, operators, masters and crews obligation to ensure safe working arrangements are in place for any work involving a ship’s elevator.

We will undertake a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on float-free EPIRB requirements on domestic commercial vessels over the period 1 February to 30 April 2021.

In the early afternoon of 30 May 2022, a hire and drive sailing catamaran began to take on water before sinking shortly after departing the marina. Onboard was the charterer, their family and a briefer who was in control of the vessel. The investigation established that following recent maintenance, an inspection plate had not been replaced, allowing water ingress. It was further identified that the charter company’s maintenance procedures did not suitably document handing over and/or tagging of removed items during maintenance work.

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

We are responsible for ensuring there is a consistent approach to the use of AIS on offshore structures and facilities. Find out what we will ask you when you apply.

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.

Standards for 'fast craft': vessels capable of speeds over 25 knots.

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.

This is advice for ship owners and masters. We will undertake a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on cargo securing arrangements from 1 August to 31 October 2020. This is in response to recent events where containers have been lost into the sea off the Australian Coast.

A list of all our approved short courses.

Exercise Barossa was a biannual oil spill response exercise conducted in Adelaide under our National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances.

Marine safety agencies deliver essential services across Australia, including local waterways management, environmental oversight, pilotage, navigation aids, ports, harbours and mooring operations, and recreational boating support.