AMSA Connect phone services will be closed for the public holiday on Monday 8 June 2026, reopening on Tuesday 9 June 2026. Our search and rescue team will continue to operate during this time.
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 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 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.
Find out how domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) performed on safety, crew training, incident reporting and more during our focussed inspections campaign on towage operations.
The National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (the National Plan) sets out national arrangements, policies and principles for managing maritime environmental emergencies.
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.