We have a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) with state and territory work health and safety (WHS) regulators. The MOU supports worker safety at sea.

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

This marine notice draws attention to the importance of providing shore leave to seafarers, for ships visiting Australian ports.

Find out the requirements you need to fulfill to obtain an international endorsement.

Knowledge of regulations and duties will help you navigate safely on the seas.

The purpose of this marine notice is to draw attention to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) non-mandatory revised guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life. 

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.

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 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.

On the morning of 24 April 2022, a fishing vessel ran aground on a reef between Bundaberg and Torres Strait. The master and two deck hands had been underway for six days prior to the grounding. The master was fatigued, having had little sleep given the watchkeeping schedule and the competency levels of the two deckhands. The investigation identified that the risk assessment for appropriate crewing including the management of fatigue and watchkeeping were inadequate. In addition, the passage planning/safe navigation was compromised by a lack of suitable electronic or paper charts.

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.

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.

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

Vessels refused access to Australian ports and vessels given warnings in relation to serious deficiencies.

Recent public consultations which are now closed.

The PSL applies to vessels that have carried 10 tonnes or more of oil while operating in Australia, any time during a quarter. It helps fund the response to marine pollution incidents.

We’re holding roundtable discussions to foster collaboration within the Australian shipping industry as it transitions away from carbon-based fuels.