A continuous synopsis record is a document issued to a ship under the safety of life at sea convention. It shows the history of a vessel and subsequent continuous synopsis records are issued in sequential order. A continuous synopsis record is reissued when changes are made to information about a ship. All passenger vessels and cargo ships over 500 gross tonnage engaged on international voyages must have a continuous synopsis record on board at all times.
If the vessel has previously held a continuous synopsis record on a foreign registry or from previous Australian registration, we will need to see a copy of the final continuous synopsis record. The new Australian continuous synopsis record will have the next sequential number. For example if the final continuous synopsis record is number 4 the new continuous synopsis record will be number 5.
Penalties for inaccurate data
All information in a continuous synopsis record must be correct. Inaccurate or conflicting data in the ship’s documentation or certificates could result in a deficiency being recorded at a port or flag State control inspection, and possibly even detention of the ship.
For example, deficiency or detention of the ship could result if there are differences in:
- company names or addresses on the continuous synopsis record we issue and the document of compliance
- the information on the continuous synopsis record and the international safety management certificate we issue under the international safety management code.
Names and addresses of Australian companies recorded in the ship register should be exactly as listed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Trading names and operating addresses different from a company’s official registered name and address should not be used on the register or on international safety management certificates.
What kind of CSR do you need?
Application for continuous synopsis record
What do I need to do?
To make an application for a continuous synopsis record, you need to:
- Check all companies listed on the continuous synopsis record have an IMO company number
If no continuous synopsis record has previously been issued, it is important that all of the companies listed on the continuous synopsis record hold an IMO company number as well as the ships IMO number.
If the company does not have an IMO number, you will need to apply for one.
- Complete the form
Application for continuous synopsis record form 164.
If the vessel has previously held a CSR on a foreign registry or from previous Australian registration, the Shipping Registration Office will need to see a copy of the final CSR. The new Australian CSR will have the next sequential number. For example if the final CSR is No.4 the new CSR will be No.5.
- Pay the fee
A fee of A$555 is payable for an application for a continuous synopsis record.
You can pay by cheque, credit card or direct deposit.
Use the Credit card authorisation form to pay by credit card.
Use the Direct deposit information form to pay by direct deposit.
- Lodge your form
Send the completed form to us at our postal or courier address, or by email to sro@amsa.gov.au.
- Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office PO Box 255 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office Level 2, 28 Gordon Street Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia
- Wait for us to let you know
We will let you know if there is any additional information that we need to process your application. If the application is complete, the continuous synopsis record will be issued and posted to you.
Amendment to continuous synopsis record
What do I need to do?
If there are any changes to particulars on the continuous synopsis record, you need to:
- Complete the form
- Pay the fee
A fee of A$390 is payable for an amendment to continuous synopsis record.
You can pay by cheque, credit card or direct deposit.
Use the Credit card authorisation form to pay by credit card.
Use the Direct deposit information form to pay by direct deposit.
- Lodge a copy of your form
Send a copy of the completed form to us at our postal or courier address, or by email to sro@amsa.gov.au. You should keep the original of the amendment form attached to the continuous synopsis record on board.
- Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office PO Box 255 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office Level 2, 28 Gordon Street Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia
- Complete your Index of Amendments
Whenever an amendment is lodged, you must complete an Index of Amendments to CSR.
You can download a template Index of Amendments to CSR below.
This index should be kept with your CSR, along with the amendment form.
- Wait for us to let you know
We will let you know if there is any additional information that we need to process your application for amendment to a continuous synopsis record. If the application is complete, the amended continuous synopsis record will be issued and posted to you.
Final continuous synopsis record
What do I need to do?
For a final continuous synopsis record to be issued, you need to:
- Provide a written request for the issue of a final continuous synopsis record
You can apply by writing to the Shipping Registration Office after your registration has been closed.
When the Australian registration of a SOLAS vessel is closed, we will issue a final continuous synopsis record.
- Lodge your written request
Send the written request for a final continuous synopsis record to us at our postal or courier address, or by email to sro@amsa.gov.au.
- Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office PO Box 255 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office Level 2, 28 Gordon Street Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia
- Wait for us to let you know
We will let you know if there is any additional information that we need to process your request for a final continuous synopsis record. If the form has been correctly completed, the final continuous synopsis record will be issued and posted to you.