The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention for addressing ship sourced pollution.

This guidance assists the offshore oil and gas industry in understanding the intent of marine order 47 (Offshore industry units), made under the Navigation Act 2012.

Dispersants can be effective response tools. Use of dispersants is dependent on many factors including timing, properties of the oil, and logistics.

Under the National Plan, we have marine pollution response equipment positioned in strategic locations around Australia to support response to an incident.

At approximately 5.30 am WA time on Friday 21 August 2009 the Montara Wellhead mobile drilling unit, located 140 miles offshore from the north-west Australian coast, had an uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons from one of the platform wells. Consequently oil escaped to the surface and gaseous hydrocarbons escaped into the atmosphere.

This five-year outlook of future action covers specific industry issues, international developments, priorities for standards, and legislative expiries.

We authorise and audit vessel traffic service (VTS) providers in Australia.

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

We have conducted these inspection campaigns in the past, focusing on specific deficiencies and outcomes.

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

Overview of the international and domestic legislation and standards that apply in Australia.

You need full ownership history to register a vessel. If you don’t have this information, you must submit a notice of intention to register a vessel to AMSA.

Read previous AMSA update editions from 2024

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

As a statutory authority, we work with the guidance of legislation.

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

Why you need a maritime mobile service identity (MMSI), and how to apply for one.

Do a lifejacket risk assessment. Your safety, and the safety of your passengers and crew, depends on it. Wearing a lifejacket can help prevent a tragic incident.