Covid update from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Covid update from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority © Australian Maritime Safety Authority

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority like other businesses and organisations across Australia has been affected by the ongoing response to Covid outbreaks.

We are continuing to provide regulatory services to our stakeholders and the wider community, and our priorities remain—ensuring safe vessel operations, combating marine pollution and responding to people in distress.

We have plans and processes in place to ensure our business operations continue during the Covid crisis. We're committed to delivering the following core services during this time:

• Processing certificate renewals and new applications.
• Access to online services and safety guidance.
• Responding to incident reports and investigations.
• Access to our contact centre, AMSA Connect, over the phone.
• Responding to your enquiries by email.
• To protect the health and safety of our staff we are limiting face-to-face interactions.

Due to the current restrictions, many of our regional offices are temporarily closed. We are working hard to make sure you can still interact with us, by phone and email.

Information for vessel owners, operators and seafarers

We have not issued any directions to prevent a regulated Australian vessel or a domestic commercial vessel from operating.

You must comply with all federal, state or territory health directions, including crew movements, isolation and social distancing requirements.

We will let you know of any changes to maritime safety laws. It's important to regularly check our website for updates on Covid as well as your state or territory health authority.

Exemptions are available in situations where an accredited marine surveyor or technician is unable to attend a vessel due to travel restrictions, or if you are unable to attend training courses for renewal of qualifications.

We will continue to carry out inspections and investigate serious breaches of maritime safely laws for international ships and domestic commercial vessel operations.