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. 

On 29 October 1981 the 213-metre 16,336 gross tonnage Ro-Ro container vessel, Anro Asia, grounded near the northern tip of Bribie Island while entering Moreton Bay.

Getting hooked-up is one of the most dangerous situations you can experience on a trawler. Be prepared. Knowing what you and your crew need to do can save lives.

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.

A summary list of major historical oil spill incidents.

On the evening of 2 April 2022, a Sydney Harbour ferry was operating a regular route between Manly and Circular Quay. A group of young males were exhibiting risk taking behaviour on the deck during adverse weather conditions. One of the group jumped, stumbled, and fell overboard without a lifejacket. The master came about and followed the ferry track back at dead slow to find the person overboard (POB). The POB had the presence of mind to use his mobile phone torch light in the dark to alert the master of his presence and was rescued.

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

Our role in working with the offshore industry.

Following a report to AMSA, and subsequent investigation, the Pax Phoenix was fined for illegally discharging oily water into the marine environment near Holbourne Island, Queensland on 2 September 2001.

Apply for acceptance on the oil spill control agents register.

In this edition we give guidance on managing some of the changes mentioned in Schedule 1 of MO503, explain electrical plan approval requirements, and more.

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.

The National Maritime Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulators Forum is a collaborative platform for discussing maritime workplace health and safety. Its main aim is to improve safety for domestic commercial vessels.

There are laws against ship sourced pollution and those responsible may be prosecuted under state or territory legislation.

On 6 February 1988 the Hong Kong registered bulk carrier Sir Alexander Glen lost approximately 450 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the waters off Port Walcott, Western Australia when a bunker tank was holed by the ship's anchor.