This marine notice informs shipowners, operators, masters and bridge watchkeepers of the availability of maritime safety information when navigating through NAVAREA X and METAREA X.

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

Since December 2016, we have conducted 185 compliance checks on 88 cruise ships with 100 per cent compliance observed.

Information for ship owners and operators about the application of the Bunkers Convention in Australia.

We contribute to safety in the region by working with our geographic neighbours.

Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Annex VI) allows ships to use exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) to comply with the 0.50 per cent m/m sulphur fuel oil limit that commenced on 1 January 2020

Proof of identity is required when applying for a certificate of competency or seafarer’s service book.

AMSA conducted a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on domestic commercial vessel construction barges from 1 May to 30 June 2022.

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.

On 21 August 2019, a landing barge (operated as a Class 1E and 2D) capsized while transiting from Great Mackerel Beach to Pittwater north of Sydney.

An unexpected wind-shift during parasailing operations caused 2 airborne passengers to contact the water at speed. They were recovered by the vessel and returned to shore. Both passengers later informed the operator that they had sustained injuries during the event. The owner then failed to report this as a marine incident to us.

This page contains a list of past changes to exemptions.

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

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