We are a Commonwealth statutory authority which provides services to the Australian maritime industry. Sometimes we need to seek the help and support of private companies to deliver our services.

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.

There are a number of certificates and permits you need if you are operating a domestic commercial vessel.

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

Australia has an interest in ensuring that the ships which visit our ports and transit our waters are seaworthy, have competent crews, and are able to safely navigate through our sensitive marine areas.

Master distraction leads to vessel grounding during sea trials

Read about the panel of experts that helps advise on the National Standard for Commercial Vessels.

On 22 March 2023, AMSA launched new artwork on the Cairns-based Challenger aircraft, designed by Torres Strait artist Michael Nona.

Find out about the search and rescue incidents we attended between July 2019 and June 2020

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.

A charter vessel transiting between research sites at night collided with a stationary vessel. The stationary vessel’s master claimed to have an anchor light on, but the crew of the charter vessel stated they did not see any navigation lights. The master of the stationary vessel was preparing food on the vessel at the time and may have obstructed the anchor light view from the charter vessel’s crew. The master of the charter vessel was found to have been operating at high speed given the conditions (night operations). This also rendered the lookout ineffective.

A 2C rescue vessel was preparing to depart a river entrance bar with 11 people onboard. The observed sea state was a wave height (breaking) of 1.4 to 1.8 metres. The entrance bar had a moderate to high level of congestion of jet skis and surfboard riders positioned within the aids to navigation departure leads. The vessel came within very close proximity to surfers on 3 occasions whilst negotiating the breaking sea conditions. The vessel then broached upon a wave resulting in the vessel heeling to port and becoming unable to be controlled due to the force of the wave.

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.

Our range of navigation services includes marine navigation and e-navigation.

The IMO has agreed that marking requirements should be developed for commercial fishing gear.

This Marine Notice reminds vessel masters, owners and operators about the coastal pilotage requirements that apply within the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, as prescribed in Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014 (MO54).