AMSA Update

In this edition

• Have your say: lifejacket wear requirements on domestic commercial vessels 
• 2021 Australian Search and Rescue Awards announced
• Final consultation on near coastal qualifications
• AMSA survey reports to go online  
• Huon Aquaculture reels in safety award
• Winners of the Vessel Traffic Service awards announced
• Are your ship registration details current? 
• Queensland passenger safety information sessions 
• September 2021 incidents

Have your say: lifejacket wear requirements on domestic commercial vessels 

Since July 2013, 44 people on domestic commercial vessels have fallen overboard and drowned. We are taking action to improve safety by proposing to make it mandatory to wear a lifejacket on certain domestic commercial vessels. 
 
We want to know what you think about practical options we have developed to achieve this outcome. Learn more and have your say until 17 December 2021.

2021 Australian Search and Rescue Awards announced

We congratulate the recipients of this year's National Search and Rescue Council’s (NATSAR) Australian Search and Rescue Awards. The awards are presented by the NATSAR Council in recognition of outstanding contribution to search and rescue within the Australian region. Find out more about the winners.

Final consultation on near coastal qualifications

Tell us what you think about the draft Marine order 505 (certificates of competency) and supporting guidelines. The draft marine order contains a range of changes, some of which are a result of feedback industry provided during the 2019 consultation. This final consultation closes on 14 November 2021. We welcome your feedback. 

AMSA survey reports to go online  

From 1 December 2021, we will no longer receive survey reports by email. This means accredited marine surveyors and Recognised Organisation surveyors will need to submit their reports and recommendations directly into our online system.  This change will mean certificates can be processed faster and our stakeholders will receive their certification sooner. Read more.

Huon Aquaculture reels in safety award

Congratulations to the team at Huon Aquaculture who are the winners of the 2021 Tasmanian Seafood Industry (TSI) Safety Award for the development of an in-house, custom-made safety app. Read more.

Winners of the Vessel Traffic Service awards announced

A team of quick-thinking and resourceful professionals from Ports Victoria Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) have been awarded the prestigious 2020-21 VTS Award for averting a maritime crisis.   

The great work of the Port Authority of New South Wales Sydney VTS team was highly commended for its role in a joint operation with NSW Police during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full story here.

Are your ship registration details current? 

We are reviewing the registration of vessels listed on the Australian General Shipping Register (AGSR), targeted at vessels with registrations where there has been no activity on the registration for 10 years or more. 

If you are the registered owner of a vessel listed on the AGSR, you will need to confirm that your vessel’s registration details are correct to avoid us taking action to close the registration. Read more. 

Queensland passenger safety information sessions 

We are running information sessions in Queensland focusing on passenger safety and compliance with Marine order 504. The sessions are open to all owners, operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels. You don’t have to register, just show up on the day. Find out more.

September 2021 incidents

There were 73 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in September 2021. Of these, 20 were serious. Read the full report.