The Australian states and territories work with us to coordinate an effective search and rescue (SAR) service.

We sought feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 53 (Vessels in polar waters) 2016 (MO53). The changes will ensure the marine order aligns with the new requirements following amendments to SOLAS and the Polar Code.

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.

Read a transcript of the webinar 'Changes to safety management systems requirements' held 19 March 2025.

Read about the results of consultation on proposed amendments to Marine Orders 15 and MO49 to introduce restrictions on the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid in firefighting foams.

This safety alert aims to raise awareness of structural and stowage requirements for shipping containers and other CTUs in Australian ports.

The establishment of Australia's search and rescue (SAR) response system.

This marine notice aims to raise awareness of the risks involved with getting on and off vessels.

A charter vessel transiting between research sites at night collided with a stationary vessel. The stationary vessel’s master claimed to have an anchor light on, but the crew of the charter vessel stated they did not see any navigation lights. The master of the stationary vessel was preparing food on the vessel at the time and may have obstructed the anchor light view from the charter vessel’s crew. The master of the charter vessel was found to have been operating at high speed given the conditions (night operations). This also rendered the lookout ineffective.

This marine notice aims to raise awareness of the risks involved with getting on and off vessels.

Read a summary of results from the mid-2024 consultation on Marine Order 11 and download a copy of the full report.

Read a summary of results from the consultation on Marine Order 28 (Operations standards and procedures) and download a copy of the full report.

On 6 November 2021, while enroute, a passenger charter (Class 1E) vessel’s inadequately secured swim platform gate opened when a passenger and toddler leant against it causing the two passengers to fall into the water. The investigation identified that there was no locking bolt on the gate, no risk assessments and no passenger verification procedures in place. 

This feedback report summarises submissions on proposed changes to NSCV C1 – Wheelhouse visibility, escape, accommodation and personal safety.

A passenger vessel travelling at speed collided with a cliff face resulting in serious injuries to passengers and major structural damage to the vessel.

The North-East Shipping Management Plan identifies actions based on information about the nature of shipping activity in the north-east region as well as the experience and knowledge of members of the North-East Water Space Management Working Group.