The information you provide in your incident report plays an important part in guiding the way we improve maritime safety for everybody on the water.
By reporting marine incidents to us, you are also meeting your reporting obligations under Australian laws.
- May 2024
There were 75 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in May 2024. Of these, 21 were serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
STATE VESSEL TYPE INCIDENT NSW Class 1 Crew member fell overboard without a lifejacket during boarding. Crew member was retrieved and required first aid. NSW Class 1 Passenger sustained ankle injury during voyage and required medevac by ambulance. NSW Class 2 Fire onboard following a technical fault in engine room fans during berth assist. Fire was extinguished and engine room sustained minor damage. QLD Class 2 Crew member fell overboard and suffered injuries during jet ski operations. It is unknown if the crew member was wearing a lifejacket. The crew member sought medical treatment after the incident. QLD Class 1 Crew member suffered injury during vessel cleaning. Crew member was taken to hospital for medical treatment. QLD Class 1 Vessel sustained water ingress in the engine room following air vent deterioration. Passengers were transferred to another vessel to complete their voyage. The vessel returned to port without further issue. QLD Class 2 Crew member fell overboard during berth assist. It is unknown if the crew member was wearing a lifejacket. The crew member was retrieved without injury. QLD Class 2 Vessel lost all propulsion and steering. Vessel was disabled and towed to shore by nearby vessel. QLD Class 2 Three crew members were injured when vessel’s onboard storage space exploded after refuelling. All 3 crew members were taken to hospital for varying injuries and burns. QLD Class 2 Vessel was disabled following multiple technical faults during voyage. Vessel required tow back to shore. No injuries or damage reported. QLD Class 3 Vessel disabled following steering pump failure. The vessel required assistance to return to shore. SA Class 2 Vessel engine room suffered fire during refurbishment operations. Engine room was evacuated, and fire was extinguished. VIC Class 1 Vessel disabled following steering gear failure whilst anchored. The vessel required assistance to return to shore. VIC Class 1 Vessel experienced steering failure while underway. The vessel required tow to return to jetty and was able to use emergency steering for part of the return voyage. VIC Class 1 Crew member sustained leg injury from fall during pre-start duties. Crew member was medevac by ambulance. WA Class 1 Seaplane collided with vessel during high wind weather event. Vessel sustained damage at point of contact. WA Class 1 Passenger sustained injury from propellor during diving activity. First aid was provided on board and passenger was returned to shore for further medical treatment. WA Class 2 Vessel experienced flooding at dock following contact with unknown submerged object. The vessel was retrieved via crane and taken for inspection. No pollution was reported. WA Class 2 Three crew fell overboard during towing operations. It is unknown if any of the crew members were wearing lifejackets at the time. All crew were recovered without injury.
- April 2024
There were 95 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in April 2024. Of these, 22 were serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
State Vessel Type Incident NSW Class 1 - Passenger Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket and swam to shore without assistance. No injuries reported. NSW Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel ran out of fuel and grounded on rocks. The vessel sustained damage. QLD Class 2 - Non-Passenger Passenger sustained injury during bar crossing operations. They were taken hospital for treatment. QLD Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel collided with another boat during night operations. Damage sustained by both vessels. No injuries reported. QLD Class 2 - Non-Passenger The vessel door failed to close during loading. Passengers were transferred and vessel returned to port. QLD Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel grounded during medevac transfer. Passenger was transferred to another vessel and grounded vessel towed back to marina. QLD Class 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member fell overboard during cargo loading. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and retrieved without injury. QLD Class 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member sustained injuries during a rescue operation. Crew member required medevac by ambulance. QLD Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Crew member sustained a serious injury while retrieving fishing nets. Crew member required medevac by launch for further treatment. QLD Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Crew member injured their ankle when the vessel pitched. Crew member was transferred to another vessel and taken to hospital by ambulance. QLD Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Vessel grounded while underway. 1 crew member sustained head injury and required medevac by ambulance. QLD Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Crew member fell overboard without a lifejacket when moving from the boom to deck. Crew member was retrieved without injury. QLD Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive Vessel delaminated and took on water during safety drills. Vessel was towed back to shore for repairs. QLD Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive Passenger fell overboard and sustained injury to leg from vessel propellor. It is unknown if the passenger was wearing a lifejacket. The passenger was taken to hospital for treatment. QLD Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive 1 crew member and 2 passengers fell overboard when a jet ski collided with another. It is unknown if any of the persons were wearing lifejackets. The 2 passengers were required medevac by ambulance. QLD Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive Passenger fell overboard wearing a lifejacket during jet ski operations. The passenger sustained a back injury and required medevac by launch. VIC Class 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member fell overboard during mooring operations. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and retrieved without injury. VIC Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Vessel made contact with submerged object and was unable to continue. Vessel was towed back to marina. VIC Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive Vessel sustained machinery failure while underway. Vessel was towed back to marina. VIC Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive Vessel caught in a tide and swept into water channel while underway. The vessel required assistance and was towed to safety. WA Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel made contact with submerged rock during rescue operations. Vessel was able to continue with rescue. The vessel sustained damage. WA Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel capsized during berthing assistance. 2 crew members went overboard without lifejackets and were retrieved without injury.
- March 2024
There were 105 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in March 2024. Of these, 23 were serious and one was very serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
State Vessel type Incident NSW
Class 1
Vessel struck a submerged object while underway. The rudder sustained damage. Vessel required tow back to berth.
NSW
Class 1
Passenger fell overboard when disembarking vessel. Passenger was not wearing a lifejacket. Passenger was retrieved and required medevac via ambulance.
NSW
Class 1
Vessel engine stalled and made contact with seawall while berthing. Vessel sustained damage, and one passenger required first aid.
NSW
Class 2
Crew member sustained rope burns during mooring operations in high wind conditions. Crew member required medevac by ambulance.
NT
Class 1
Vessel was found flooding at berth. Attempts to stop water ingress were successful. Vessel sustained some damage. No pollution reported.
QLD
Class 1
Passenger fell overboard between the vessel and wharf while exiting the vessel. The passenger was not wearing a lifejacket and exited water without assistance. Passenger suffered minor injuries.
QLD
Class 1
Vessel sunk at mooring due to compromised hull integrity. Vessel retrieved and will be repaired. No pollution or injuries reported.
QLD
Class 1
Crew member sustained hand injury from the outboard motor during mooring. Crew member was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
QLD
Class 1
Passenger jumped overboard and swam to shore without assistance. It is unknown if the passenger was wearing a lifejacket. No injuries reported.
QLD
Class 1
Passenger sustained head injury on a jet boat ride. First aid was provided onboard. The passenger required medevac by ambulance.
QLD
Class 1
Passenger jumped overboard and was retrieved by the vessel. It is unknown if the passenger was wearing a lifejacket. No injuries were reported.
QLD
Class 3
Vessel was reported sunk at berth. No persons on board at the time of incident and no pollution reported.
QLD
Class 4
Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket and landed in shallow waters. The passenger sustained a spinal injury and required medevac by ambulance.
QLD
Class 4
Two passengers on jet ski made contact with a lateral marker and fell overboard. Both passengers sustained injuries. One passenger required medevac by ambulance.
SA
Class 2
Vessel made contact with an underwater object while underway. The vessel pivoted and sustained rapid water ingress before sinking. One crew and two passengers went overboard and swam to shore. All persons were wearing lifejackets and reported no injuries.
SA
Class 3
Vessel experienced flooding and the adjoining vessel rafted to it sank at its mooring. The weight of the adjoining vessel resulted in further water ingress via the stern.
SA
Class 3
Vessel made contact with marina during berthing. Three crew members were injured with one sustaining serious jaw injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
WA
Class 1
Crew member sustained back injury during cargo loading operations. The crew member required medevac and taken to hospital for treatment.
WA
Class 2
Vessel made contact with the wharf during berthing and a crew member fell overboard. The crew member was wearing a lifejacket at the time. The vessel sustained minor hull damage.
WA
Class 3
Crew member sustained serious hand injury during unberthing. The crew member was taken to hospital for treatment.
- February 2024
There were 111 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in February 2024. Of these, 28 were serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
State Vessel type Incident NSW Class 1 Master fell overboard without a life jacket. The vessel collided with a nearby vessel and wharf. Minor damage to the other vessel. NSW Class 1 Vessel's control head failed while unberthing. Vessel lost all propulsion and resorted to back up controls. Vessel was re-berthed and taken out of service until cause of failure could be identified. No injuries or damage to vessel. NSW Class 2 Volunteer marine rescue (VMR) vessel was towing a disabled vessel when the cleats and surrounding timber broke free hit nearby crew member. Crew member sustained lacerations and bruising to face and required medevac by ambulance. NSW Class 2 Vessel drifted towards a docked vessel following engine failure. The docked vessel sustained paint damage. NSW Class 2 Vessel encountered large waves and briefly became airborne while conducting bar crossing training. 3 crew on board sustained injuries, with one requiring surgery for a broken foot. NSW Class 4 Three jet ski passengers wearing lifejackets were thrown off the jet ski following wave from nearby vessels. The jet ski contacted nearby bridge and sustained damage. NSW Class 4 Vessel grounded and the passengers were assisted by company support vessel. Propellor sustained damage and was replaced the same day. No injuries reported. NT Class 3 Main engine stopped working following fuel pump failure. Vessel towed back to the port by nearby vessel. The fuel pump was later replaced. QLD Class 1 Passenger was found unresponsive in water while snorkelling. CPR was provided on board before medevac by ambulance. QLD Class 1 Vessel collided with a berthed vessel during unberthing. The vessel sustained water ingress and hull damage. No reports of damage to berthed vessel. QLD Class 1 Vessel's anchor dragged and collided with a nearby moored vessel. The moored vessel sustained extensive damage. QLD Class 1 Crew member slipped and fell in the water in-between the boat and jetty. Crew member was wearing lifejacket and was recovered without injury. QLD Class 1 Lookout left the helm and vessel grounded. Vessel ungrounded without assistance, resulting in close quarters with nearby snorkellers. The vessel then drifted onto nearby rock wall where it remains. QLD Class 1 Two passengers jumped overboard without lifejackets during cruise operations. The vessel remained alongside the passengers in the water, who refused assistance. No injuries were reported. QLD Class 1 Vessel contacted the ferry terminal during berthing. Crew member sustained significant bruising and master sustained minor laceration. The crew member was taken to hospital for further treatment. No passenger injuries or other damage reported. QLD Class 2 The vessel’s bow swung out rapidly and vessel made contact with nearby wharf structure during towage operations. Unable to regain control, the vessel swung back and contacted a timber pile on wharf. No injuries reported. QLD Class 2 Vessel's shaft coupling gearbox became loose during charter operations, disabling the vessel. Vessel was unable to be repaired at sea and was towed back to marina. No injuries or further damage reported. QLD Class 2 During training operations, the master slipped near the helm and grabbed steering wheel. The vessel turned into current near a barrage and a passenger went overboard wearing a lifejacket. Another passenger fell and hit the seats. The passenger overboard was recovered, and both were taken to hospital via ambulance. QLD Class 2 Crew member sustained finger crush injury during berthing operations. Crew member taken to hospital via private vehicle. QLD Class 2 Crew member slipped on deck and sustained injury to their left knee while releasing the bowline during unberthing. The crew member was taken to hospital to receive further treatment. QLD Class 2 Crew member fell overboard wearing no lifejacket during unberthing operations. Crew member was recovered without injury. QLD Class 2 During towing operations, vessel collided with the vessel under towage. The bollard broke off the deck of towed vessel. No injuries reported. QLD Class 2 Vessel lost steering following transom shield failure. Vessel was towed back to base. No damages or injuries reported. QLD Class 3 Heavy loaded cargo came loose from its strapping and vessel capsized. All 4 crew went overboard wearing lifejackets. All crew were retrieved without injury, and the vessel and equipment secured and towed back to shore. QLD Class 4 Two passengers jumped overboard while the vessel was underway. Neither passenger was wearing a lifejacket, and both were recovered by a passing vessel. SA Class 4 Generator blew up while contractor was conducting repairs. Contractor received serious burns to body and face. The contractor was medevac by ambulance to nearest hospital for burns treatment. TAS Class 2 Vessel rolled in large wind swell and passenger went overboard. Passenger was wearing a lifejacket and received with no injuries. WA Class 2 Winch recovery wire snatched during towage and winch handles contacted crew member’s foot. Crew member sustained serious injury and was medevac by launch.
- January 2024
There were 111 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in January 2024. Of these, 21 were serious and 1 very serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
State Vessel type Incident NSW Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard while the vessel was alongside. Passenger was not wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury. NSW Class 1 Lagging caught alight in engine room while underway. Vessel disabled and required tow to return. NSW Class 1 Crew member sustained foot crush injury while securing vessel to wharf. Crew member required medevac via ambulance. NSW Class 1 Vessel breeched hull and experienced water ingress while underway. Vessel manoeuvred to wharf and disembarked passengers. No pollution reported. NSW Class 1 Passenger sustained spinal fracture while the vessel was going over swell. Passenger required medical attention at hospital. NSW Class 2 Vessel collided with a submerged object and sustained significant hull damage. Vessel experienced water ingress. No pollution or injuries reported. NSW Class 2 Vessel swamped from the wash of a passing vessel. Large quantity of equipment destroyed. NSW Class 2 Vessel experienced blackout following suspected electrical fault. Vessel anchored and monitored by emergency response vessel. No injury or environmental consequences. NSW Class 3 Vessel experienced blackout following genset failure. No damage or injuries sustained. NSW Class 4 Vessel collided with a houseboat while anchoring. Hirer sustained arm injury and required medevac via ambulance. NT Class 1 Vessel disabled following an electrical failure. Vessel required assistance to return to dock. No injuries or damage reported. NT Class 3 Vessel collided with submerged object while underway. Vessel sustained significant damage and water ingress. Crew evacuated vessel and required rescue. QLD Class 2 Vessel main engine shut down following flash fire during towing operation. Fire extinguished by handheld unit. No further damage reported. QLD Class 2 Vessel experienced main engine failure while underway. Vessel disabled and adrift. Engine repaired and returned to port. QLD Class 3 Vessel sustained extensive damage during recent cyclone. Vessel to be decommissioned. QLD Class 3 Vessel disabled following a small electrical fire while fishing. Vessel required assistance to return to marina. QLD Class 4 Two jet skis collided head on. Three passengers sustained injuries and required assessment via ambulance. SA Class 1 Vessel anchor line snapped and drifted during rough weather. Vessel grounded and the crew evacuated. Recovered with minor injury. VIC Class 2 Vessel made contact while towing a yacht and caught crew member’s arm. Crew member required medevac via ambulance. VIC Class 3 Vessel collided with multiple vessels while berthing. Hull sustained damage and minor damage to neighbouring vessels. WA Class 2 Water ingress following vessel contact with a submerged rock. Crew were able to pump out the water and return to Marina. WA Class 2 Vessel experienced main engine failure during towage. Vessel required assistance to return to mooring.