Australia’s policy is that those who pollute our marine environment should be responsible for cleaning up and repairing the damage they have caused. If AMSA has to do this because they do not, then they should pay AMSA.

Discover how we’re tackling the challenges around Operation Recovery—YM Efficiency.

The Pacific Quest was found guilty of discharging an oily mixture from a ship into the sea near Border Island, Queensland on 25 December 2002.

Find local suppliers of fuel oil in Western Australia.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2015–16.

The cargo ship Pacific Adventurer lost upwards of 270 tonnes of heavy fuel oil when holed on its port side while en route to Brisbane from Newcastle.

On 21 May 1990 an extensive oil slick was sighted approximately four nautical miles south-east of Cape Otway by the pilot of a light aircraft. The Australian-flagged tanker Arthur Phillip was later established as the source of the spill.

At 8.55 am on 10 September 1979, the tanker World Encouragement was conducting berthing operations at an Australian Oil Refinery (AOR) mooring at Kurnell in Botany Bay, New South Wales, when oil began rising to the water surface from beneath the ship.

Our Board is appointed by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

AMSA’s invoicing process is changing. From 1 March 2022, all invoices for AMSA must be emailed as a PDF attachment to our new centralised email address (invoices@amsa.gov.au) for automated processing. This will ensure invoices are processed more quickly for payment.

Apply for acceptance on the oil spill control agents register.

Following a report to AMSA, and subsequent investigation, the Pax Phoenix was fined for illegally discharging oily water into the marine environment near Holbourne Island, Queensland on 2 September 2001.

Safeguard your vessel and operation with an active maintenance plan.

January - March 2026There were 336 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in Quarter 1 of 2026. Of these, 45 were serious and 1 very serious.

If you suspect misconduct, fraud, or corruption involving AMSA officials, contractors or service providers, you should report it.