Commonwealth legislation requires a verified gross mass (VGM) be supplied before a container can be loaded onto a ship.

There are a range of chemical tools which can reduce the harmful effects of an oil spill.

On 21 May 1990 an extensive oil slick was sighted approximately four nautical miles south-east of Cape Otway by the pilot of a light aircraft. The Australian-flagged tanker Arthur Phillip was later established as the source of the spill.

Find out more about complying with the national system if you are a domestic commercial vessel owner or operator.

We are committed to nurturing your development and helping you reach your goals.

Key trends and safety insights from marine incidents reported to us in 2025 and trend analysis for previous years.

Book a block of oral exams to be held on-site as a registered training organisation (RTO).

A passenger vessel collided with an unseen rock, resulting in the injury of a passenger. The master navigated the vessel into unfamiliar waters that was not a normal or planned part of the passenger tour experience, and not authorised by the tour company. Owners and operators should ensure masters continue to conform to the planned or authorised route for the services they offer.

On 28 July 1988, the livestock carrier Al Qurain struck a wharf heavily while berthing in Portland, Victoria and severely ruptured a side fuel tank. An estimated 184 tonnes of fuel oil escaped into Portland Harbour.

On the morning of 24 April 2022, a fishing vessel ran aground on a reef between Bundaberg and Torres Strait. The master and two deck hands had been underway for six days prior to the grounding. The master was fatigued, having had little sleep given the watchkeeping schedule and the competency levels of the two deckhands.

Download a copy of the requirements for each near coastal certificate.

We are responsible for responding to marine oil spills and supporting the National Plan for Maritime Emergency partners in doing the same within their jurisdictions.

We sought feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 53 (Vessels in polar waters) 2016 (MO53). The changes will ensure the marine order aligns with the new requirements following amendments to SOLAS and the Polar Code.

Arrangements between government and industry under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies to respond to shipping casualties.

If you have been issued with an infringement notice, you have 28 days to pay the infringement penalty or contact us about your payment options.

The Sanko Harvest struck a reef off Esperance, Western Australia on 14 February 1991, and broke up over the next fortnight.

Check if AMSA recognises your country or overseas STCW certificate, and what this means for your application in Australia.

AMSA’s mission is ensuring safe vessel operations, combating marine pollution and rescuing people in distress.