Obligations of registered agents of Australian registered ships.

On 21 May 1990 an extensive oil slick was sighted approximately four nautical miles south-east of Cape Otway by the pilot of a light aircraft. The Australian-flagged tanker Arthur Phillip was later established as the source of the spill.

There are laws against ship sourced pollution and those responsible may be prosecuted under state or territory legislation.

Find out more about complying with the national system if you are a domestic commercial vessel owner or operator.

The type of EPIRB you need depends on vessel class, length, flotation and operating area.

On 28 July 1988, the livestock carrier Al Qurain struck a wharf heavily while berthing in Portland, Victoria and severely ruptured a side fuel tank. An estimated 184 tonnes of fuel oil escaped into Portland Harbour.

A passenger vessel collided with an unseen rock, resulting in the injury of a passenger. The master navigated the vessel into unfamiliar waters that was not a normal or planned part of the passenger tour experience, and not authorised by the tour company. Owners and operators should ensure masters continue to conform to the planned or authorised route for the services they offer.

On the morning of 24 April 2022, a fishing vessel ran aground on a reef between Bundaberg and Torres Strait. The master and two deck hands had been underway for six days prior to the grounding. The master was fatigued, having had little sleep given the watchkeeping schedule and the competency levels of the two deckhands.

Safeguard your vessel and operation with an active maintenance plan.

We are committed to nurturing your development and helping you reach your goals.

Find out how to get an interim certificate of competency (ICoC) when you apply for a certificate for the first time.

It’s important to maintain your lifejacket according to the manufacturer’s instructions so it works when you need it.

AMSA’s mission is ensuring safe vessel operations, combating marine pollution and rescuing people in distress.

On the evening of 29 May 2022, a commercial fishing vessel was on a voyage from Mackay to Cairns when the master noticed an auxiliary engine alarm. Upon lifting the engine room hatch, the master saw smoke and an orange glow and the engine room subsequently caught fire. The master quickly made the decision that they would not be able to fight the fire without jeopardising their safety and abandoned ship. An SMS risk assessment on appropriate crewing on a voyage greater than 12 hours duration should be undertaken in these situations.

We are responsible for responding to marine oil spills and supporting the National Plan for Maritime Emergency partners in doing the same within their jurisdictions.

Designing, selecting, and testing anchoring systems.

Download a copy of the requirements for each near coastal certificate.

Standards for class 1 and class 2 fast craft that are at least 35m in equivalent length.