Our regulatory program is prepared annually and contains details of planned and completed changes to our regulatory instruments.

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

On the evening of 29 May 2022, a commercial fishing vessel was on a voyage from Mackay to Cairns when the master noticed an auxiliary engine alarm. Upon lifting the engine room hatch, the master saw smoke and an orange glow and the engine room subsequently caught fire. The master quickly made the decision that they would not be able to fight the fire without jeopardising their safety and abandoned ship. An SMS risk assessment on appropriate crewing on a voyage greater than 12 hours duration should be undertaken in these situations.

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.

An introduction to the Automatic Identification System, what it is and how it works.

The National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (the National Plan) sets out national arrangements, policies and principles for managing maritime environmental emergencies.

Our eligibility requirements for sailing vessels.

IMO guidelines about Australia's particularly sensitive sea areas—the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and Coral Sea.

Marine Order 55 (Vessels carrying industrial personnel) 2024, requires that industrial personnel be at least 16 years of age, and have documentary evidence of the person’s physical and medical fitness of a kind that is acceptable to AMSA.

IMO performance standards require back-up arrangements to be in place in case of ECDIS failure.

The 276th meeting of the Board was held on Thursday, 20 November 2025, in Canberra, ACT.

Find out about permitted tolerance, enforcement of requirements and how we will deal with delays in transmitting the VGM electronically.

AMSA port State control inspectors will be using the checklist below when inspecting ships as part of our cargo securing focused inspection campaign. Use this checklist to prepare for the inspection, and to help you ensure your cargo is secure. Below is a sample of the focused inspection campaign checklist.

We want to know what you think about the prevention of air pollution from vessels.