On 29 October 1981 the 213-metre 16,336 gross tonnage Ro-Ro container vessel, Anro Asia, grounded near the northern tip of Bribie Island while entering Moreton Bay.

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

Your vessel may be inspected to verify your compliance with cargo requirements. These requirements and regulations apply to safety-related aspects for marine carriage of cargo.

How to work out if your current qualifications can be used to support your application for a domestic certificate of competency.

On 22 January 1982 at approximately 9 pm, the oil tanker Esso Gippsland was in the process of loading at Port Stanvac jetty, South Australia, when a large quantity of industrial fuel oil leaked from the air vent and ullage port of its no.2 starboard tank.

The Pacific Quest was found guilty of discharging an oily mixture from a ship into the sea near Border Island, Queensland on 25 December 2002.

Marine Order 503 (Certificates of survey – national law) 2018 (MO503) outlines when a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) needs a certificate of survey, and related survey requirements. These requirements help ensure that commercial vessels operating in Australia are safe and seaworthy.

We administer the national law, regulations and marine orders in implementing the national system.

This marine notice draws attention to responsible navigational practices which masters and officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships operating in Australian waters should follow.

Follow these steps to apply for an initial STCW certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency. Find out what you need to do to meet eligibility requirements, complete training and sea service and submit your application.

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.

The 275th meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, in Canberra, ACT.