AMSA Connect phone services may have longer wait times on Monday 1 June 2026 while we operate with reduced staffing due to the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday in Canberra. Our search and rescue team will continue to operate during this time.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), in collaboration with the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), has taken a significant step in addressing wage theft issues aboard foreign-flagged vessels operating under the Coastal Trading Act.
Now is the time to check your safety management system (SMS) and start preparing for the updated Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation – national law) 2024.
AMSA’s invoicing process is changing. From 1 March 2022, all invoices for AMSA must be emailed as a PDF attachment to our new centralised email address (invoices@amsa.gov.au) for automated processing. This will ensure invoices are processed more quickly for payment.
Find out how we use, assess and govern AI responsibly. This statement aligns with the Digital Transformation Agency’s (DTA) Policy for the responsible use of AI in government.
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.
Australia is a part of the International Maritime Organization — maritime safety and marine pollution prevention are more effective when carried out internationally.
This exemption allows people who were working on a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) under state or Northern Territory law on 30 June 2013, to continue working without the required certificate.
We contribute to the continuous improvement and development of maritime safety, environmental management, and emergency response systems in our region and globally.
To do this, we collaborate with stakeholders and agree ways of working together through memoranda of understanding, intergovernmental agreements, and interagency agreements.
From 1 May 2024, Australian vessels of 100 gross tonnage or above on international voyages must keep a garbage record book in addition to a garbage management plan.