From 1 July 2018, new survey requirements for domestic commercial vessels apply. This includes changes to marine order 503 to apply the new periodic survey requirements to all vessels required to be in survey—existing, transitional and new vessels.

This safety alert draws the attention of vessel operators to the importance of planned maintenance in ensuring safe operation of domestic commercial vessels.

The PSL applies to vessels that have carried 10 tonnes or more of oil while operating in Australia, any time during a quarter. It helps fund the response to marine pollution incidents.

Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead of Transport Safety Victoria.

The information you provide in your incident report plays an important part in guiding the way we improve maritime safety for everybody on the water.

Find out if the vessel you own or operate under a boat-share agreement is a domestic commercial vessel.

A guide for domestic commercial vessels

Find safety equipment guides for non-survey vessels based on class and type of operation.

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 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.

Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead of Department of Transport, Western Australia.

The purpose of this policy is to outline the underlying principles for the disclosure and dissemination of vessel tracking information under agreed conditions.

Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead of Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

In the early afternoon of 30 May 2022, a hire and drive sailing catamaran began to take on water before sinking shortly after departing the marina. Onboard was the charterer, their family and a briefer who was in control of the vessel. The investigation established that following recent maintenance, an inspection plate had not been replaced, allowing water ingress. It was further identified that the charter company’s maintenance procedures did not suitably document handing over and/or tagging of removed items during maintenance work.

All domestic commercial vessels under the national law are required to meet design, construction, stability and equipment standards.

Find out how you obtain your unique vessel identifier and how to display it correctly.