On 6 November 2021, while enroute, a passenger charter (Class 1E) vessel’s inadequately secured swim platform gate opened when a passenger and toddler leant against it causing the two passengers to fall into the water. The investigation identified that there was no locking bolt on the gate, no risk assessments and no passenger verification procedures in place. 

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

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. By reporting marine incidents to us, you are also meeting your reporting obligations under Australian laws.

Domestic commercial fishing vessels may transit between the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Norfolk island and the Australian mainland.

Navigational maritime safety information (MSI) for NAVAREA X and Australian coastal areas is issued by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Australia. Navigational warnings are current for the time indicated and can be updated by refreshing the webpage.

A crew member’s arm was crushed between the vessel and a pylon while tending to mooring lines.

An explosion occurred on a charter fishing vessel whilst berthed. The investigation identified that the ignition source was a lithium-ion battery that was not holding charge connected to a battery charger in a way that bypassed the battery management safety system. The vessel was beyond repair following the explosion.

The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) is a mandatory measure that promotes the use of energy efficient (less polluting) equipment and engines on new build ships.

On the evening of 2 April 2022, a Sydney Harbour ferry was operating a regular route between Manly and Circular Quay. A group of young males were exhibiting risk taking behaviour on the deck during adverse weather conditions. One of the group jumped, stumbled, and fell overboard without a lifejacket. The master came about and followed the ferry track back at dead slow to find the person overboard (POB). The POB had the presence of mind to use his mobile phone torch light in the dark to alert the master of his presence and was rescued.

Towing of vessel in distress leads to back injury

In this edition we talk about audits and application assessments.

Do a lifejacket risk assessment. Your safety, and the safety of your passengers and crew, depends on it. Wearing a lifejacket can help prevent a tragic incident.

Why you need a maritime mobile service identity (MMSI), and how to apply for one.

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.

Guidance on ensuring appropriate crewing for safe navigation for domestic commercial vessels.

A charter fishing vessel proceeding to a fishing spot began experiencing progressively worsening weather conditions and water ingress. Despite the owner’s warning prior to departure and passenger complaints, the master continued to the fishing destination. Strong winds and waves hampered anchoring, with water accumulating on deck through the transom door to the point of flooding. The vessel’s EPIRB was deployed, and a rescue helicopter attended, winching the master and passengers to safety.

A 2C rescue vessel was preparing to depart a river entrance bar with 11 people onboard. The observed sea state was a wave height (breaking) of 1.4 to 1.8 metres. The entrance bar had a moderate to high level of congestion of jet skis and surfboard riders positioned within the aids to navigation departure leads. The vessel came within very close proximity to surfers on 3 occasions whilst negotiating the breaking sea conditions. The vessel then broached upon a wave resulting in the vessel heeling to port and becoming unable to be controlled due to the force of the wave.