The global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) connects you to coast stations and vessels via satellite and radio communications when you're out at sea.

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

This marine notice advises ship operators and owners of the hazards of transporting battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs).

General and practical information about the AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA), including how to perform the assessment.

A deficiency notice uses codes to show non-compliance found during a Port State control (PSC) inspection.

Apply for acceptance on the oil spill control agents register.

On 14 July 1975 the Marine Operations Centre in Canberra was alerted that the oil tanker Princess Anne Marie had sustained a large crack in its hull approximately 300 miles off Western Australian.

These guidelines aim to assist small1 DCV operations to undertake a risk assessment as part of the vessel’s safety management system.

Guidance on crewing of domestic commercial vessels as per Schedule 1 Clause 6 - Appropriate crewing and Clause 8 - Minimum crewing of Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation - national law) 2024. Schedule 1 applies to all vessels other than class 4 vessels.

We are responsible for handling health and safety issues for personnel on prescribed ships that are engaged in trade or commerce on international and domestic voyages.

Under Marine Order 503 a transitional vessel is an existing vessel that has: 

We have approved these courses if you want to qualify for a certificate under international training conventions.

The FOI disclosure list describes the documents disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act, and the date of disclosure.

A Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) is a ship-specific plan to improve the energy efficiency of a ship.

During the COVID-19 pandemic many seafarers have played an essential role.

If you are a Traditional Inhabitant of the Torres Strait and use your TIB to catch seafood and sell it, your boat is being used as a domestic commercial vessel. This page explains what that means, when you can use the TIB-specific exemption, and the steps you must follow to operate safely and legally.

Keeping a radio watch saves lives. Use this guidance to set up your radio watchkeeping process and comply with Marine Order 504.

Shipping containers lost from ships are a cause of pollution in the marine environment.

Read a transcript of the webinar 'Changes to safety management systems requirements' held 19 March 2025.

This program of regulatory activities was completed during the 2017–2018 financial year.