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

Safety of Navigation – 1 August - 8 September 2021 AMSA conducted a Safety of Navigation Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) over the period 1 August to the 8 September 2021. 

Explore the trends in vessel design, materials and certification shaping Australia’s domestic fleet. See what was built, where, and how vessels are evolving to meet industry needs.

On 28 July 1988, the livestock carrier Al Qurain struck a wharf heavily while berthing in Portland, Victoria and severely ruptured a side fuel tank. An estimated 184 tonnes of fuel oil escaped into Portland Harbour.

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.

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.

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

Read previous AMSA update editions from 2024

This marine notice outlines AMSA’s expectations for vessel owners and operators when considering appropriate crewing, maintenance of watchkeeping standards and provision of minimum hours of rest, ensuring seafarer fitness for duty. 

In this edition, learn more about careers at AMSA and maintenance plan essentials.

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention for addressing ship sourced pollution.

PurposeA reminder of the requirements to test and maintain fuel isolation valves for multi-engine installations.