A passenger ferry was returning from its scheduled service when an unanticipated wave raised its stern and caused its bow to dive under the water. Water rushed over the bow and a significant amount came through the forward portside access door and into the passenger compartment. The master immediately reduced speed, which expelled most of the water overboard. The forward portside access door had been left open by a crew member who was attempting to alleviate sea sickness among some passengers. The action of leaving the door open during the voyage was contrary to the vessel’s survey requirements. Signage requiring the door to be kept closed when underway was reportedly not seen by crew members. This resulted in water entering the vessel creating a potentially unsafe situation.

The information you provide in your incident report plays an important part in guiding the way we improve maritime safety for everybody on the water.

In this edition we talk about recent surveyor audits.

Our role in working with the offshore industry.

Apply for acceptance on the oil spill control agents register.

On 16 March 2022, a class 2B landing barge collided with a starboard channel marker. The investigation identified that the previous swing engineer did not inform the incoming engineer that the port main engine cooling water suction valve was shut. After getting underway, the engine began to overheat. This distracted the master from monitoring the vessel’s intended track. The vessel’s safety management system did not have an appropriate engineering handover procedure.

This feedback report summarises submissions we received on the proposed changes to Marine Order 27.

Arrangements between government and industry under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies to respond to shipping casualties.

Our 2025-26 regulatory program identifies the priority regulatory reform projects that will be progressed this financial year.

Consultation on Marine Order 44 closed on 1 March 2019.

A summary of discharge standards under MARPOL and local regulations if you are operating your vessel in Australian waters.

The oil spill from the Oceanic Grandeur in Torres Strait in March 1970 highlighted Australia’s lack of preparedness at the time to deal with a major oil spill in the marine environment.

On 3 April 2010, the Shen Neng 1 was traversing a well-known shipping route south of the Douglas Shoal when it ran aground 38 nautical miles east of Great Keppel Island at about 5.30 pm.

Our latest statement about data submitted to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

Risk assessments help identify why, when and where lifejackets need to be worn during vessel operations. Wearing a lifejacket can help prevent a tragic incident.

Find local suppliers of fuel oil in Queensland.

If you are a Traditional Inhabitant of the Torres Strait and use your TIB to catch seafood and sell it, your boat is being used as a domestic commercial vessel. This page explains what that means, when you can use the TIB-specific exemption, and the steps you must follow to operate safely and legally.