AMSA surveyor’s will be using the checklist below when inspecting ships as part of our livestock ships focused inspection campaign.

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.

An explosion occurred on a charter fishing vessel whilst berthed. The investigation identified that the ignition source was a lithium-ion battery that was not holding charge connected to a battery charger in a way that bypassed the battery management safety system. The vessel was beyond repair following the explosion.

The 277th meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, in Hobart, Tasmania.

(1)  The criteria for the issue of a check pilot licence to a person are that the person: 

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.

This is advice for ship owners and masters. We will undertake a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on cargo securing arrangements from 1 August to 31 October 2020. This is in response to recent events where containers have been lost into the sea off the Australian Coast.

Course and study subjects for deck and engineer certificates of recognition.

The Navigation Act 2012 is legislation which covers international ship and seafarer safety, protect the marine environment where it relates to shipping and the actions of seafarers in Australian waters.

Scams are intended to trick you into giving out your personal information or paying money.

Download and print guidance for international certificates.

Find forms you might need to make sure you hold the right qualifications.

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.

AMSA occasionally seeks help and support from private companies to deliver its Search and Rescue (SAR) services.

On 19 November 2020, a class 3B fishing vessel grounded on a beach after the master and two deckhands, fell asleep. The investigation identified that there was no clear procedure for standing watch. Fatigue also contributed to the poor decisions made by the crew around who was supposed to be on watch that morning.

Oil spill control agents (OSCA) may assist in oil spill clean up in Australian waters.

This safety lesson describes how experienced Queensland prawn trawl fisher, Tony Sterling, developed an inpull winch that pulls in both sides of the trawl gear at the same time. The winch has delivered major safety benefits because crew no longer need to go out onto the booms.

If you submit an incomplete application, we will not progress your application for a domestic commercial vessel permission or approval.