Mandatory coastal pilotage is a protective measure used in environmentally fragile or areas potentially hazardous to navigation.

On 1 October 1973, the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (National Plan) came into operation.

This page outlines the types of survey reports and details an AMSA assessor looks for when reviewing an application for approval.

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Reporting general marine pollution helps us to respond quickly to an incident to minimise damage to the environment.

If you are looking to purchase a vessel and would like to know the current ownership details or you need detailed information on a registered ship, a title extract will provide this information.

During a private charter a passenger fell down a stairwell and sustained serious injuries. The area around the top of the stairwell had a recess that reduced the floor area slightly and could be missed during movements. The stairs themselves were not found to be contributory to this incident. However, the spiral design proved problematic for providing post-incident medical assistance for the passenger. Any area that may present a safety risk to passengers onboard a vessel should be risk assessed, with appropriate control measures put in place to ensure passenger safety.

Find out about the automatic identification system (AIS).

On 30 August 1992 the fuel tank of Era was ruptured by the bow of the tug Turmoil during berthing operations at Port Bonython, South Australia, during high winds. Approximately 300 tonnes of bunker fuel was released into Spencer Gulf.

Report of the Incident Analysis team into the response by the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and hazardous Substances, to the Montara Wellhead Platform incident, March 2010.

Fitting out all spaces on the vessel with the right fire protection measures.

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.