This marine notice draws attention to important information regarding the proper operation of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), including the importance of adequate and up to date Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), for ships visiting Australian ports.

Latest standards for wheelhouse visibility, emergency escapes, crew and passenger accommodation, and personal safety on domestic commercial vessels. Includes updated requirements for evacuation, signage and preventing falls overboard.

Survey passenger vessels with offshore operations Class 1C (with berthed passengers), 2B and 3B, are required to carry a Scale E medical cabinet and a Scale F First aid kit on board.

A charter vessel with passengers was conducting a cruise around Sydney Harbour when it narrowly missed an unlit runabout at night. The vessel ran aground, and two attempts to tow the vessel off the sandbank were unsuccessful. The investigation found that the master did not risk-assess the route and respective conditions. The vessel safety management system provided the master with no clear direction on safe routes to follow. The command, control, and communication with and between the crew in relation to emergency procedures and response was ineffective.

Discover key data on complaints about seafarer living and working conditions, inspection activities, and how we ensure seafarers visiting Australian ports are protected under international maritime labour standards.

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

Our focus is on delivering better practice regulation so we can support safe vessel operations, and combat marine pollution.

List of the locations of the debris found from the YM Efficiency, before the salvage operation.

The RFL applies to most sea-going vessels operating in Australia. It helps fund the cost of safety activities, such as vessel inspections and surveys.

Australia’s first recorded major oil spill occurred on Saturday 28 November 1903 in Port Phillip Bay.

Our privacy policy tells you how we protect and handle your personal information.

We follow the guidance of international conventions when conducting search and rescue (SAR) activities.

Lighthouses are part of the network of aids to navigation in Australia. Use our interactive map to locate one of our heritage lighthouses.

Our range of navigation services includes marine navigation and e-navigation.

You can prepare in case your ship is inspected during a visit to an Australian port.