The 274th meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Keeping a radio watch saves lives. Use this guidance to set up your radio watchkeeping process and comply with Marine Order 504.

On Monday 10 July 1995, the Iron Baron chartered bulk carrier grounded on Hebe Reef at the approach to the Tamar River, northern Tasmania at 7.30 pm EST.

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 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. 

A passenger vessel collided with an unseen rock, resulting in the injury of a passenger. The master navigated the vessel into unfamiliar waters that was not a normal or planned part of the passenger tour experience, and not authorised by the tour company. Owners and operators should ensure masters continue to conform to the planned or authorised route for the services they offer.

For seafarers who want to work as a qualified rating in both the deck and engine departments on vessels operating under the STCW Convention.

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

Oil spill control agents (OSCA) may assist in oil spill clean up in Australian waters.

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

The short-term measure under the MARPOL Convention requires ships engaged on international voyages to make improvements to deliver a reduction in their carbon intensity by an average of at least 40% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels), in line with the target set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

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

This consultation feedback report is based on submissions to us via an online form and Facebook.

Carry the type of lifejacket required for your vessel's highest service category. You can choose self-inflating, manual inflating or foam buoyancy lifejackets.

Shipping containers lost from ships are a cause of pollution in the marine environment.

This safety lesson describes how experienced Queensland prawn trawl fisher, Tony Sterling, developed an inpull winch that pulls in both sides of the trawl gear at the same time. The winch has delivered major safety benefits because crew no longer need to go out onto the booms.

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