The National Law places obligations on maritime operators and other parties to ensure safety of persons and vessels and protection of the marine environment.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is working to reduce the loss and discharge of fishing gear into the sea.

View the list of vessels declared not to be regulated Australian vessels (RAVs) under section 19 of the Navigation Act 2012

Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead of Transport Safety Victoria.

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.

A charter vessel with passengers was conducting a cruise around Sydney Harbour when it narrowly missed an unlit runabout at night. The vessel ran aground, and two attempts to tow the vessel off the sandbank were unsuccessful. The investigation found that the master did not risk-assess the route and respective conditions. The vessel safety management system provided the master with no clear direction on safe routes to follow. The command, control, and communication with and between the crew in relation to emergency procedures and response was ineffective.

This report provides an overview of the consultation process, key issues raised during public consultation and the key changes to the Marine Order.

There is potential for light-emitting diode lighting on vessels to compromise reception on VHF frequencies.

Our approach to comply with the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law 2012 from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.