AMSA Connect phone services may have longer wait times on Monday 1 June 2026 while we operate with reduced staffing due to the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday in Canberra. Our search and rescue team will continue to operate during this time.
Over 2016–17 AMSA continued to prepare to take on full service delivery of the national system for domestic commercial vessels. A November 2016 decision from Australian governments to defer commencement of full service delivery until 1 July 2018 provided an opportunity to enhance our original approach.
Government and industry in Australia work together to respond rapidly and effectively to maritime casualties when they occur in our region. We have national arrangements which include place of refuge and emergency towage options for vessels in an emergency situation.
Australia implements a range of standards and regulations to protect the marine environment from pollution. These standards and regulations ensure we meet international obligations. You must comply with these regulations and report marine pollution incidents.
You may also need to make a general incident report.
The National Search and Rescue Council is a cooperative body that is responsible for the national search and rescue response arrangements in Australia.
Clear technical guidance to the operators of marine and coastal facilities for the preparation of marine pollution contingency plans and for establishing and maintaining an effective response capability.
This report summarises our port State control activities and reports on the performance of commercial shipping companies, flag States and Classification Societies for the 1994 calendar year.
This report summarises our port State control activities and reports on the performance of commercial shipping companies, flag States and Classification Societies for the 1996 calendar year.