On 19 November 2020, a class 3B fishing vessel grounded on a beach after the master and two deckhands, fell asleep. The investigation identified that there was no clear procedure for standing watch. Fatigue also contributed to the poor decisions made by the crew around who was supposed to be on watch that morning.

All regulated Australian vessels must have a minimum safe crewing determination (MSCD). Find out how to prepare your crewing arrangement, check qualifications, and submit your application or renewal.

In this edition we talk about Lightship declarations and the law, new surveyor accreditation guidance manual part 2 now available and electrical issues able to be identified by non-electrical periodic surveyors.

At approximately 5.30 am WA time on Friday 21 August 2009 the Montara Wellhead mobile drilling unit, located 140 miles offshore from the north-west Australian coast, had an uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons from one of the platform wells. Consequently oil escaped to the surface and gaseous hydrocarbons escaped into the atmosphere.

AMSA and the Bureau of Meteorology provide vessels with maritime safety information (MSI) about hazards and foreseeable dangers to safe navigation through Australia's marine environment.

Apply for acceptance on the oil spill control agents register.

Look out for marine fauna and report any collisions.

PurposeA reminder of the requirements to test and maintain fuel isolation valves for multi-engine installations.

Read previous AMSA update editions from 2025

A safety management system (also referred to as an SMS) is a systematic approach to managing safety.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2015–16.

If you’re a seafarer or marine surveyor and want to apply for a skilled visa to live and work in Australia, you may need a migration skills assessment. Find out what you need to do and how to apply.

This information is to draw the attention of ship owners and operators to the ongoing prohibition of asbestos on ships, noting that Australian law requires operators to take all reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of employees and contractors while at work.

The Australian states and territories work with us to coordinate an effective search and rescue (SAR) service.

Be prepared before your trip. Stay safe in the air.