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.

Our AMSA Connect team are ready to assist you over the phone, by email, or at one of our regional offices.

In this edition we talk about recent surveyor audits.

Controlling the risks that weather and water pose to a vessel.

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.

Be prepared before your trip. Stay safe in the air.

The use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) on board ships contributes significantly to the safety of navigation.

The 278th meeting of the Board was held virtually via MS Teams on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

As a statutory authority, we work with the guidance of legislation.

Standards for maintaining buoyancy after flooding, grounding, or collision.

AMSA has a fair, and non-discriminatory procurement complaints handling process.

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Our search and rescue incidents from 2018–19.

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