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.

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.

On 6 November 2021, while enroute, a passenger charter (Class 1E) vessel’s inadequately secured swim platform gate opened when a passenger and toddler leant against it causing the two passengers to fall into the water. The investigation identified that there was no locking bolt on the gate, no risk assessments and no passenger verification procedures in place. 

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.

Safety Alert: 02/2021 aims to raise awareness of correct use of hydrostatic release units, for both float-free life rafts and float-free EPIRBS.

This report provides an overview of the consultation process, key issues raised during public consultation and the key changes to the Marine Order.

Our regulatory plan is produced annually and contains planned changes to our regulatory instruments.

There are 48 infringements listed in the national law that can apply to vessel owners, masters, crew, or passengers. You can avoid an infringement notice by making sure your vessel, crew, and operations comply with the national law.

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

Radiotelephones, signalling lights, EPIRBs, and satellite communications equipment.

Specifies safety standards for the design, construction, equipping and operation of a domestic commercial vessel that is a leisure craft.

We have issued an updated marine notice for Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) in Torres Strait. This notice outlines the management framework, summarises the responsibilities and reminds all coastal pilots transiting ships when they are required to use the Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system.

Before you begin operating your vessel, you must follow our requirements.

When a livestock ship, certified with an Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock (ACCL), carries cattle and/or buffalo, cargo hold decks should be washed and cleaned regularly.

These fees are for certificates of competency, certificates of operation, certificates of survey, the surveyor accreditation scheme, and National Law exemptions.

Be prepared before your trip. Stay safe on land.