How to calculate and record your sea service for a near coastal certificate of competency.

Get your Master or deck certificate of competency revalidated before it expires.

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.

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.

There are mandatory minimum requirements for your certificates under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (STCW).

During a private charter a passenger fell down a stairwell and sustained serious injuries. The area around the top of the stairwell had a recess that reduced the floor area slightly and could be missed during movements. The stairs themselves were not found to be contributory to this incident. However, the spiral design proved problematic for providing post-incident medical assistance for the passenger. Any area that may present a safety risk to passengers onboard a vessel should be risk assessed, with appropriate control measures put in place to ensure passenger safety.

We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014 (MO54). These updates aim to modernise coastal pilotage regulations by introducing competency-based standards, flexible entry pathways, and strengthening safety management systems.

On 16 March 2022, a class 2B landing barge collided with a starboard channel marker. The investigation identified that the previous swing engineer did not inform the incoming engineer that the port main engine cooling water suction valve was shut. After getting underway, the engine began to overheat. This distracted the master from monitoring the vessel’s intended track. The vessel’s safety management system did not have an appropriate engineering handover procedure.

This service charter sets out the standard of service you can expect to receive from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

AMSA’s invoicing process is changing. From 1 March 2022, all invoices for AMSA must be emailed as a PDF attachment to our new centralised email address (invoices@amsa.gov.au) for automated processing. This will ensure invoices are processed more quickly for payment.

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

Electronic visual distress signals are not a substitute for conventional pyrotechnic flares.

Instructions for accredited surveyors to conduct surveys and inspections of domestic commercial vessels.

Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead of Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

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