A master or owner of a vessel may apply for an exemption from the requirement to navigate a vessel with a licensed pilot in a compulsory pilotage area

January - March 2026There were 335 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in Quarter 1 of 2026. Of these, 44 were serious and 1 very serious.

Ships registered on the Australian general shipping register have Australian nationality.

Find local suppliers of fuel oil in the Northern Territory.

Become a coastal pilot and contribute to the safety of ships in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef.

We are a team of dedicated professionals – hear more about our experiences working at AMSA.

A charter vessel with passengers was conducting a cruise around Sydney Harbour when it narrowly missed an unlit runabout at night. The vessel ran aground, and two attempts to tow the vessel off the sandbank were unsuccessful. The investigation found that the master did not risk-assess the route and respective conditions. The vessel safety management system provided the master with no clear direction on safe routes to follow. The command, control, and communication with and between the crew in relation to emergency procedures and response was ineffective.

As the national standard is updated, generic equivalent standards (GES) are being superseded.

On the evening of 29 May 2022, a commercial fishing vessel was on a voyage from Mackay to Cairns when the master noticed an auxiliary engine alarm. Upon lifting the engine room hatch, the master saw smoke and an orange glow and the engine room subsequently caught fire. The master quickly made the decision that they would not be able to fight the fire without jeopardising their safety and abandoned ship. An SMS risk assessment on appropriate crewing on a voyage greater than 12 hours duration should be undertaken in these situations.

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

1. The criteria for the issue to a person of a trainee pilot licence are that the person: (a)  is entitled to work in Australia; and (b)  holds: 

Resources and advice on how to prepare for your oral exam.

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

Read a transcript of the webinar 'Fatigue risk management' held 19 February 2025.

This Marine Notice reminds vessel masters, owners and operators about the coastal pilotage requirements that apply within the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, as prescribed in Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014 (MO54).

It’s important to maintain your lifejacket according to the manufacturer’s instructions so it works when you need it.

The inaugural Australian VTS Award saw Brisbane VTS operators Todd Stewart and Ricky Blake commended for their actions, which had a profound impact on the outcome of two men and a young boy lost at sea.