The purpose of this notice is to remind vessel owners, operators and masters of:

This advice is for ship owners and masters. We will undertake a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on livestock ships from 1 March to 31 August 2021. The campaign will target all livestock ships departing Australian ports.

Download and print guidance for international certificates.

Find out which companies are registered as a private seafarer recruitment and placement service in Australia.

Australia’s policy is that those who pollute our marine environment should be responsible for cleaning up and repairing the damage they have caused. If AMSA has to do this because they do not, then they should pay AMSA.

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.

A 2C rescue vessel was preparing to depart a river entrance bar with 11 people onboard. The observed sea state was a wave height (breaking) of 1.4 to 1.8 metres. The entrance bar had a moderate to high level of congestion of jet skis and surfboard riders positioned within the aids to navigation departure leads. The vessel came within very close proximity to surfers on 3 occasions whilst negotiating the breaking sea conditions. The vessel then broached upon a wave resulting in the vessel heeling to port and becoming unable to be controlled due to the force of the wave.

There are other vessel permits or exemptions you may be eligible for under the national law.

Learn how non-shipborne AIS units are managed and find out what’s required to apply to operate a base station or AtoN in Australia.

A charter fishing vessel proceeding to a fishing spot began experiencing progressively worsening weather conditions and water ingress. Despite the owner’s warning prior to departure and passenger complaints, the master continued to the fishing destination. Strong winds and waves hampered anchoring, with water accumulating on deck through the transom door to the point of flooding. The vessel’s EPIRB was deployed, and a rescue helicopter attended, winching the master and passengers to safety.

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.

All ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages must collect data on fuel consumption, distance travelled and hours underway.

The Fixed Wing Aerial Dispersant Capability (FWADC) continues to function as a jointly funded capability in partnership with the Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre (AMOSC).

Use an Australian seafarers service book (ASSB) to keep a record of your sea service on an Australian or international vessel in international waters.