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.

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

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.

Our information publication scheme provides access to details about AMSA's operations.

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

Make electrical safety a priority. Reduce the risk of electrical fire from batteries and electrical installations on your vessel.

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

Ships that are not operated and managed to meet applicable standards, and relevant Australian laws, pose an increased risk to seafarers, other ships and the marine environment. These ships may be refused access or granted conditional entry to Australian ports

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.

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.

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.

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

Mohammed Taslim is passionate about marine education in the Pacific and has his sights set on promoting e-learning study for seafarers in Fiji in the not-too-distant future.

Some vessels do not have to be surveyed. Depending on the type of vessel, you may need to apply for approval to operate.