Standards for domestic commercial vessels, largely replaced by the NSCV for new vessels.

Australia has an interest in ensuring that the ships which visit our ports and transit our waters are seaworthy, have competent crews, and are able to safely navigate through our sensitive marine areas.

We are responsible for providing navigational systems and services to facilitate the safe and efficient navigation of ships within Australian waters.

Maritime discharges of oil and noxious liquid substances during emergencies and pollution response situations.

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

We collect and analyse information from reported marine incidents to improve safety across the maritime industry.

ECDIS familiarisation ensures that master and navigating officers are familiar with the specific make and model of the ECDIS equipment onboard (including backup) before taking charge of a navigational watch.

This procedure outlines the process for Registered training organisations to offer recognition of prior learning to students of AMSA approved courses.

The 2019-20 Australian Vessel Traffic Services Award was awarded to Warren Bath, VTS Operator at Hay Point, Queensland, for his coordination of an incident involving a bulk carrier.

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.

On 22 March 2023, AMSA launched new artwork on the Cairns-based Challenger aircraft, designed by Torres Strait artist Michael Nona.

In this edition we talk about Draft instruction for ultrasonic thickness measurement for metallic vessels, Transitional requirements, Proposed changes to SAGM Pt 2 Stability booklets and more

All ships must follow the requirements of MARPOL Annex V when discharging cargo residue.

We are a Commonwealth statutory authority which provides services to the Australian maritime industry. Sometimes we need to seek the help and support of private companies to deliver our services.

Accurate weight declaration for cargo containers is a critical safety issue. Shippers must provide a verified gross mass for containers.

This safety alert draws the attention of vessel operators to the importance of planned maintenance in ensuring safe operation of domestic commercial vessels.

When Port Hedland VTS received notification of four people clinging to a vessel in the anchorage zone, they wasted no time co-ordinating local assets to effect a rescue worthy of a nomination for the Australian VTS Award.