This safety alert provides guidance to operators of domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) on risks associated with safety management systems inadequately considering electrical systems and other potential fire hazards.

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. By reporting marine incidents to us, you are also meeting your reporting obligations under Australian laws.

During the COVID-19 pandemic many seafarers have played an essential role.

At approximately 5.30 am WA time on Friday 21 August 2009 the Montara Wellhead mobile drilling unit, located 140 miles offshore from the north-west Australian coast, had an uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons from one of the platform wells. Consequently oil escaped to the surface and gaseous hydrocarbons escaped into the atmosphere.

This safety alert aims to raise awareness of the risks involved with the carriage of battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) on roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ferries.

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.

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.

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.

On Sunday 26 May 1974 the bulk carrier Sygna was involved in a major pollution incident.

Knowledge of regulations and duties will help you navigate safely on the seas.

Accredited government and private surveyors, and recognised organisations who are qualified to conduct surveys on domestic commercial vessels.

Using an advanced under keel clearance management (UKCM) system will reduce your chances of running aground.

Fees associated with the delivery of the accredited marine surveyor scheme and applications for an equivalent means of compliance.

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

You can submit your completed Seafarer form 419 or Certificate of competency application form 426 at participating Australia Post retail outlets.

On 16 March 2022, a class 2B landing barge collided with a starboard channel marker. The investigation identified that the previous swing engineer did not inform the incoming engineer that the port main engine cooling water suction valve was shut. After getting underway, the engine began to overheat. This distracted the master from monitoring the vessel’s intended track. The vessel’s safety management system did not have an appropriate engineering handover procedure.

For vessels in distress or in need of assistance there can be, at times, a need to find an appropriate ‘place of refuge’, where steps can be taken to stabilise or repair the vessel and prevent the situation from worsening.