A guide for domestic commercial vessels

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

The RFL applies to most sea-going vessels operating in Australia. It helps fund the cost of safety activities, such as vessel inspections and surveys.

Keeping a radio watch saves lives. Use this guidance to set up your radio watchkeeping process and comply with Marine Order 504.

We follow the guidance of international conventions when conducting search and rescue (SAR) activities.

Lighthouses are part of the network of aids to navigation in Australia. Use our interactive map to locate one of our heritage lighthouses.

Read a summary of results from the consultation on Marine Order 28 (Operations standards and procedures) and download a copy of the full report.

Notify AMSA as soon as possible after becoming aware of an incident

Our regulatory program is prepared annually and contains details of planned and completed changes to our regulatory instruments

Find out how domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) performed on safety, crew training, incident reporting and more during our focussed inspections campaign on towage operations.

AMSA’s invoicing process is changing. From 1 March 2022, all invoices for AMSA must be emailed as a PDF attachment to our new centralised email address (invoices@amsa.gov.au) for automated processing. This will ensure invoices are processed more quickly for payment.

Seafarers often spend many months working away from family and friends with this situation being made worse if the vessel they are engaged on is involved in a maritime accident

Advice on maintaining rescue boats in working order.

This advice is for ship owners, operators and masters. The Safety of Navigation Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) will run from 1 August 2021 to 30 September 2021. The campaign will apply to foreign flagged ships and Regulated Australian Vessels (RAVs) arriving at Australian ports.

On 30 August 1992 the fuel tank of Era was ruptured by the bow of the tug Turmoil during berthing operations at Port Bonython, South Australia, during high winds. Approximately 300 tonnes of bunker fuel was released into Spencer Gulf.

Providing 24/7 search and rescue (SAR) service for Australia.

Course and study subjects for deck and engineer certificates of recognition.