AMSA Connect phone services may have longer wait times on Monday 1 June 2026 while we operate with reduced staffing due to the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday in Canberra. Our search and rescue team will continue to operate during this time.
The Strategic Plan builds on previous strategies and also takes into account the commitments made in 2014 by the Australian and Queensland governments in their Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan, and the North-East Shipping Management Plan.
The National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (the National Plan) sets out national arrangements, policies and principles for managing maritime environmental emergencies.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), in collaboration with the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), has taken a significant step in addressing wage theft issues aboard foreign-flagged vessels operating under the Coastal Trading Act.
Latest standards for wheelhouse visibility, emergency escapes, crew and passenger accommodation, and personal safety on domestic commercial vessels. Includes updated requirements for evacuation, signage and preventing falls overboard.
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 exemption allows people who work on a vessel involved in scientific activities, including research or educational activities, to perform duties as master of a vessel without a certificate of competency.