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.

Read previous AMSA update editions from 2024

Members of our executive and leadership team who are appointed according to our relevant laws.

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.

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.

A summary of discharge standards under MARPOL and local regulations if you are operating your vessel in Australian waters.

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

IMO guidelines about Australia's particularly sensitive sea areas—the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and Coral Sea.

Our search and rescue incidents from 2016–17.

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.

A summary list of major historical oil spill incidents.

Our role in working with the offshore industry.

AMSA has a fair, and non-discriminatory procurement complaints handling process.

We have conducted these inspection campaigns in the past, focusing on specific deficiencies and outcomes.

This edition outlines an upcoming campaign on plan approval documentation and fire safety, initial survey recommendations and more.

Apply for acceptance on the oil spill control agents register.

AMSA and the Bureau of Meteorology provide vessels with maritime safety information (MSI) about hazards and foreseeable dangers to safe navigation through Australia's marine environment.