Insights from 2025 vessel inspections including detentions, common safety risks and compliance performance
Summary
AMSA inspectors check that ships are safe, follow Australian and international standards, and don’t pose risks to people or the environment.
Each year, AMSA analyses inspection data across all domestic commercial vessels (DCVs), regulated Australian vessels (RAVs), and foreign-flagged ships visiting Australian ports.
In 2025
- There were 5,329 inspections of DCVs, RAVs and foreign-flagged ships, over 10% more than in 2024.
- 237 ships were detained in total. This was up from 212 in 2024, as inspections continued to focus on high-risk vessels.
- General cargo/multi-purpose ships (7.0%) and container ships (5.9%) had the highest detention rates.
- The most common issues were structural and equipment problems. DCVs and RAVs had higher deficiency rates than foreign-flagged ships.
- Safety management system (SMS) issues were more common on DCVs, partly due to newer rules and the ability to record multiple problems in one inspection.
- RAVs and DCVs had higher deficiency rates than foreign-flagged ships in most areas.
- 28 operators were recognised as high performing due to their strong safety performance and compliance.
Read the full 2025 inspections report
Get the complete data on inspection numbers, detention rates and safety risks, and learn about AMSA’s compliance priorities.