When travelling by land, sea or air, a GPS-equipped distress beacon can mean all the difference in an emergency situation.

Sea service is a requirement for most certificates of competency. You must complete a specified amount of service time on a vessel in support of your application. The time and skills needed for your sea service can be recorded in a task book, sea service form, letter from the vessel operator or a declaration. Use our publications order form to purchase task books, log books, and other record books.

Under the National Plan, training is available for responders. These training courses make sure Commonwealth, state and territory responders are familiar with the national arrangements under which they work together in a maritime emergency.

There are aids and rules for navigating Australian coastal waters, particularly in sensitive sea areas. Coastal pilots and vessel traffic services aid in preventing incidents and restrictions apply to operating commercial fishing and offshore exploration and production activities.

As Australia’s national regulatory body, we promote the safety and protection of our marine environment and combat ship-sourced pollution. We provide the infrastructure for safety of navigation in Australian waters, and maintain a national search and rescue service for the maritime and aviation sectors.

Learn about the steps we’re taking in support of reconciliation.

In Australia, the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) is implemented primarily through the Navigation Act 2012 and associated delegated legislation such as Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels). We inspect vessels, develop seafarer welfare guidance and programs, and process complaints under the MLC. We are responsible for investigating seafarer health and safety issues on prescribed vessels engaged in trade on international or interstate voyages. Also see the Australian Seafarers' Welfare Council