In this edition

• Draft instruction to surveyors now available – Ultrasonic thickness measurement for metallic vessels
• Do you know all your transitional requirements?
• Have your say on the proposed changes to SAGM Pt 2
• Stability booklets – Required loading conditions
• Conditions of specific exemptions and how they relate to survey
• Survey Matters suggestions

Read past editions

Draft instruction to surveyors now available – Ultrasonic thickness measurement for metallic vessels

AMSA has developed a draft instruction to surveyors (ITS) which outlines the processes and acceptable options for ultrasonic thickness measurement of metallic hulls required by SAGM Part 2 for a 10-year renewal survey.

The instruction provides information on the rationale for UTM as well as information on how to conduct a thickness measurement survey and acceptance criteria.

As part of the ITS development, AMSA welcomes any feedback from accredited marine surveyors on the form and content of the attached draft.

Any comments and feedback can be directed to dcvsurvey@amsa.gov.au, with ‘DCV-ITS feedback’ in the subject line. This will ensure that all feedback can be easily collected and collated.

Click here to access the draft DCV-ITS-021 UTM for Metallic Vessels.

Do you know all your transitional requirements?

Marine Order 503, Section 11 (g) requires an owner to notify AMSA of any changes to the vessel structure, arrangements, material or scantlings, including changes not mentioned in Schedule 1. Marine Order 503 Section 11 (h) states that a vessel must not be operated if a change in Schedule 1 occurs, and a vessel may only recommence operations if a new certificate of survey has been issued after meeting the survey criteria of Section 9 (1).

If the vessel is an existing vessel, and a change under Schedule 1 occurs, the vessel becomes transitional and it must meet either the NSCV standards, or the transitional standards listed in Schedule 2.

Regardless of whether surveys are only required to address the extent of the change under Section 9 (1), all the transitional standards now apply and there are certain mandatory upgrades that must be made.

AMSA uses the opportunity at transition to require these upgrades to be made to ensure vessels and personnel safety levels are brought in line with the objectives of the National System and contemporary safety standards.

As a minimum, the following upgrades must be verified against the transitional standards, regardless of the changes that trigger the transition:

• Fixed fire extinguishing and detection system as required by NSCV C4 must be installed
• Residual current devices are to be fitted in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (already required for all vessels under state and territory law)
• LPG appliances & engines must comply with NSCV C5C & C5D respectively
• Intact stability must be reassessed with the person weight updated to meet the NSCV Part C6 requirements, and intact stability re-approved
• Safety, communications and navigation equipment must meet NSCV C7A, C7B and C7C respectively.

If you are engaged by an owner to undertake the surveys required under MO 503 Section 9, you should inform them of these additional requirements, as compliance may require modifications and upgrades to the vessel.

The surveyor who conducts the commissioning survey must complete the checklist for transitional vessels renewal survey on page 5 of the AMSA 901 - Survey report and recommendation form (or surveyors equivalent) confirming compliance.

Note: If the vessel has been assessed as a transitional vessel previously but has triggered again due to another Schedule 1 change, this checklist should be completed again by the commissioning surveyor.

Useful resources:

AMSA 241 - Marine Order 503 – Existing Vessel Transitional Vessel Concept Flowchart

Have your say on the proposed changes to SAGM Pt 2

AMSA is currently seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Marine Surveyor’s Accreditation Guidance Manual, Part 2 (SAGM Pt 2).

Background

SAGM Pt 2 sets clear standards and criteria for Accredited Marine Surveyors and Recognised Organisations (class societies), outlining the procedures for surveying domestic commercial vessels to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.

SAGM Pt 2 came into force on 1 July 2018 and has been the prescribed survey standard for more than 5 years.

Since the introduction of the manual, we have gathered valuable learnings and feedback, which we have now applied to enhance its clarity and effectiveness through these proposed revisions.

Key Changes

The following summarises some of the key changes in the draft document:

• Class 2 vessels used only for leisure type purposes, will be allowed to use the same CE certification as Class 4 vessels for structural approval
• Owners of medium-frequency survey vessels will be provided the flexibility to complete a year 3 survey either in water or out of water, and owners of high-frequency vessels will have flexibility to swap their year 2 and 3 surveys
• Alignment of construction documentation requirements for restricted C (EX40) vessels with risk levels, reducing the necessary documentation
• Clarification that Accredited Marine Surveyors may use their own reporting forms, provided these have the required level of detail 
• Inclusion of reporting obligations for repair and damage surveys
• Survey tables expanded to remove ambiguity and improve consistency and reliability in the survey processes 
• Various other minor changes

Further information

The below link takes you to the consultation page. On this page, you can find more information about the proposed changes including the draft standard and a summary of all the proposed changes.

An online information session is scheduled for Friday the 22nd of March. You can register your interest in attending at the link below.

Feedback is sought on the proposed changes. This link can also be used to provide your feedback using an online form. The consultation process closes at midnight on the 2nd of April 2024. Please ensure all feedback is provided by this date.

Click here to access the consultation hub.

We encourage everyone to review the proposed changes, attend the information session and provide us your feedback.

Stability booklets – Required loading conditions

AMSA audits accredited marine surveyors to ensure the correct procedures and protocols set out in the National Law - Marine Surveyors Accreditation Guidance Manual (SAGM) and the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Regulation 2013 (the regulations) are being implemented.

AMSA regularly performs audits related to stability approvals from accredited marine surveyors (AMS). Most of the submissions from accredited surveyors are found to be compliant and many positive observations are noted.

However, during recent audits, findings regarding the extent of loading conditions presented in stability booklets have become common. Rather than just demonstrating compliance with the applicable stability criteria, AMS are encouraged to focus on providing clear guidance to an operator for them to be able to operate the vessel within the allowable limits. Below is some guidance on how to identify what loading conditions to include in stability documentation.

NSCV requirements

It is a required outcome of NSCV C6A for the intact stability to be safe over the range of foreseeable conditions of loading. Clause 2.2 states:

Note 1 clarifies the extent of the term “foreseeable conditions”.

Requirements for the form and content of a stability booklet are found in the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (NSCV), Section C6C, Annex F. This annex details all the information required to be included in the stability book and is a normative (compulsory) part of the standard (see also December 2019 edition of Survey Matters).

Clause F5 / Table F1 of Annex F outlines the required contents of a stability book and points to clause F9 for the loading conditions. Clause F9 stipulates that a range of loading conditions be presented in the stability book and highlights the need to include any loading conditions that may have marginal stability characteristics (worst case scenarios). It also includes an important note about consulting with the operator to ensure the loading conditions of all intended operations have been assessed. Table F.3 outlines the standard departure and arrival loading conditions applicable to all vessels, and Table F.4 includes the minimum vessel-specific loading conditions to be included in a stability book. It is important to note that Table F.4 requires all vessels to include a lightship condition.

Importance

Vessels may vary significantly in design and operation and there may be additional conditions over and above the minimum requirements that must be analysed to ensure all limiting conditions have been identified. For certain vessels the limiting conditions may be readily identifiable, however, they may not be so clear for other vessels that, for example, are variably loaded (vertically, longitudinally and transversely); have movable ballast; have lifting and grounding effects; have multiple consumables tanks; or have tracked or wheeled plant loaded from the shore.

By analysing the full range of loading conditions and looking in detail at activities that can impose additional heeling moments on the vessel, all potential operating profiles are analysed prior to the vessel entering service. Worst-case loading conditions (limiting conditions) must be identified by the surveyor (preferably in collaboration with the operator) and guidance addressing these conditions must be included in the stability book in accordance with clause F9.

Conditions of specific exemptions and how they relate to survey

Specific exemptions (SPEXs) may have conditions imposed to ensure the safety of the vessel or its occupants. These conditions can relate to the operation of the vessel, its equipment, or its design. The legal onus to ensure these conditions are met is placed on the owner, the master or both. This is due to the way the National Law is written whereby it is a strict liability offence for an owner or master to breach a condition of an exemption (Sections 144 and 145). For many smaller vessels the owner is also the master, but this is not always the case – particularly for larger fleet vessels.

Surveyor’s obligations during survey

In accordance with SAGM, a surveyor is required to verify that a vessel complies with applicable legislation, exemptions, and standards. This means that as part of any survey (initial or periodic), if a SPEX has been granted to the vessel, there may be certain conditions that must be verified by a surveyor as part of the survey process.

Surveyors should ascertain whether a vessel is subject to a SPEX and consider whether any conditions listed on the SPEX must be considered as part of the survey process. If the vessel has a SPEX and is undergoing periodic or renewal survey there will be a note on the face of the CoS and the SPEX will also be indicated in the Vessel Report. The owner is required to keep a copy of the SPEX with the Certificate of Survey.

Conditions relating plan approval

If the vessel is undergoing plan approval and a CoS is yet to be issued, the surveyor should consult the owner for a copy of any SPEXs granted by AMSA.

Conditions relating to vessel design will generally be directed to the owner but will require that certain things be verified by a surveyor on the owner’s behalf during the plan approval phase. Examples of conditions pertaining to vessel design are as follows:

• The owner must ensure that the vessel’s structure meets the requirements of ISO12215 for an ISO category B vessel.
• The owner must ensure the vessel complies with single compartment subdivision with the collision bulkhead damaged.

Conditions relating to construction surveys

Some SPEXs contain conditions that must be verified by a surveyor during initial construction survey but would not require ongoing verification once the CoS is issued. The conditions will generally be directed to the owner and require verification by a surveyor on their behalf. Examples of conditions pertaining to vessel construction are as follows:

• The owner must ensure the minimum height of the bulwarks/guardrails is 850mm
• The owner must ensure the power of the propulsion engine does not exceed 450kw
• The owner must ensure that the width of the crew stairs between the main deck and wheelhouse is no less than 585mm.

Conditions relating to commissioning and periodic surveys

If the vessel is undergoing commissioning survey and a CoS is yet to be issued, the AMS should consult the owner for a copy of any SPEXs granted by AMSA. If the vessel has a SPEX and is undergoing periodic or renewal survey there will be a note on the face of the CoS and the SPEX will also be indicated in the vessel report. The owner is required to keep a copy of the SPEX with the certificate of survey. These conditions will either be directed to the owner, or to both the owner and master.

Examples of conditions pertaining to commissioning and periodic surveys are as follows:

• The owner and master must ensure that an additional 4.5kg ABE fire extinguisher is carried.
• The owner and master must ensure that an additional portable powered 11kL/hr bilge pump with wandering hose is provided onboard.
• The owner must ensure that signage is provided on either side of the watertight door stating “MUST BE CLOSED AT SEA”.

Reporting

Surveyors can make a comment on the AMSA901 form (or equivalent) listing the items relating to a condition of a SPEX that have been verified as part of their survey. Alternately a separate report can be compiled, listed as supporting documentation on the AMSA901 (or equivalent), and uploaded into MARS. The benefit of a separate report is that photographic evidence can be provided which is encouraged by AMSA for transparency (SAGM 2.6), and we recommend this in particular for initial commissioning surveys.

Survey Matters suggestions

AMSA wants to make sure Survey Matters is relevant and useful for accredited marine surveyors, boat builders, class societies, and others involved in the survey of domestic commercial vessels. 

We encourage our readers to submit subject requests or ideas to DCVSurvey@amsa.gov.au for articles that would be of assistance to industry in future publications.

In this edition

• Audits and application assessments
• Compass adjustment requirements
• Uncrewed barges
• Electrical components must be approved for use in Australia
• Electrical plan approval
• Operational policy for large commercial yachts operating under the National Law
• Specific exemptions
• Important notice regarding 10-year surveys for accredited marine surveyors
• AMSA586 Survey activity report and temporary operations
• Photographs provided as supporting documentation
• Season's Greetings

Audits and application assessments

Summary of audits 2022-23

Sec 45 of the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 provides that AMSA as the National Regulator can conduct audits on the recommendations made by an accredited surveyor; the survey process followed by the surveyor; the conduct of surveys; and the records kept in accordance with Section 40.

In the 2022-23, financial year AMSA carried out scheduled audits on 162 survey recommendations covering 20 accredited marine surveyors (AMSs) under the Major Audit Program. The surveyors were selected for audit from AMSA’s Surveyor Risk rating tool. Of these, 10 surveyors were audited on initial surveys (mainly on plan approval stability approval and initial commissioning surveys), and 10 were audited on periodic surveys (periodic surveys, out of water surveys, shaft surveys and periodic load line surveys). 18 of these audits resulted in the AMS initiating corrective actions on their survey practices and / or on the vessels in question. One surveyor was required to show cause as to why their accreditation shouldn’t be suspended.

AMSA also conducted 37 complaint audits regarding 23 surveyors. The audits were based on complaints received from a member of the public or an AMSA port marine surveyor / marine safety inspector. These audits resulted in 3 surveyors being issued with formal caution or counselling letters; a surveyor’s accreditation varied to impose conditions for stricter survey reporting requirements; and a surveyor’s accreditation being revoked by the National Regulator.

On-site monitoring surveys were also successfully performed for 2 surveyors.

Audit findings

Major audits have resulted in 342 findings, of which 31 (22%) of them were non-conformances requiring corrective actions. AMSA also noted positive findings for several surveyors. The below pie chart shows the percentage distribution of the findings for the major audits.

Complaint audits have resulted in 73 findings of which 44 (60 %) were non-conformances The pie chart below shows the percentage-wise distribution of the findings for the complaint audits.

Common findings in periodic / renewal survey audits 2022-23

Following are the common findings identified during the periodic / renewal survey audits.

1. Vessels with several serious deficiencies were recommended for temporary operations following a renewal survey (e.g. structural fire protection material damaged).
2. Vessels were recommended with inadequate communication equipment onboard. (e.g. vessel trading outside LCS coverage areas without an H.F radio or satellite phone).
3. Vessels were recommended with incorrect lifesaving appliances. (missing life rafts, lifejackets etc.)
4. Class 1 vessels over 12 meters were recommended without performing a lightship verification and a declaration signed by the owner or master was provided instead. SAGM Sect 4.9 (6) limits lightship declarations on Class 1 Vessels to those less than 12m.
5. Incorrect lightship particulars were recommended when the correct lightship particulars would have triggered transitional surveys.
6. Temporary operations permits had been issued for several vessels despite the conditions of Div. 5 or 6 of AMSA EX07 (Marine safety temporary operations) Exemption not being met.
7. Third party service reports referenced in the form AMSA 901 Survey report and recommendation were not provided in the recommendation.
8. Megger testing and RCD testing were not carried out in the specified intervals.
9. Ultrasonic thickness measurement not carried out for metallic vessels during the 10-year renewal survey.
10. Other 10-year renewal survey checks were not carried out.

Compass adjustment requirements

Ensuring the accuracy of a vessel's magnetic compass is crucial for safe navigation at sea. Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements) mandates a systematic approach to vessel and equipment maintenance. The magnetic compass is one such piece of equipment. Vessel owners are required to establish a regular inspection and maintenance program, recording details of each inspection and addressing identified deficiencies. These records may be maintained in the vessel's logbook.

For transitional and new vessels NSCV Part C Section 7C specifies that the master must document any observed deviations in compass readings during the vessel’s operation. Section 7C also specifies situations in which compass adjustment is mandatory. These include when deviations exceed 5 degrees, after vessel repairs or alterations, or when the vessel has not previously operated from any port or place in Australia.

The adjustment should be carried out by individuals possessing the necessary knowledge and skills obtained through experience, training or qualification.  A qualified compass adjuster for Marine Order 27 (Safety of navigation and radio equipment) 2016 meets the training and qualification requirements of NSCV C7C Clause A4.3.

Furthermore, any changes to the magnetic compass including alterations to magnet positions or soft iron correctors must be recorded by the compass adjuster and the record kept onboard. This rigorous adherence to compass adjustment requirements ensures the reliability of navigation systems and promotes maritime safety and compliance.

Existing vessels must comply with the requirements that applied to them at the introduction of the National System - generally the USL Code Section 13 Appendix B. The requirements of the USL Code for compasses are largely consistent with those of the NSCV. 

Uncrewed barges

AMSA has received enquiries about uncrewed barges being transferred into domestic commercial vessel survey while carrying people onboard. Uncrewed and unpowered barges certified under the International Convention on Load Lines 1966 (ICLL) may have a 25% reduction in their assigned summer freeboard, as per Regulation 27(14)(c) ICLL.

This reduction applies specifically to uncrewed, unpowered barges with small access openings sealed by watertight gasketed covers of steel or equivalent on the freeboard deck. (most commonly flat-topped barges). ICLL Regulation 27(14)(b) exempts these barges from complying with Regulations 25, 26(3), 26(4), and 39.

Similar requirements under ICLL Regulations are outlined in:

• USL Code Section 7 Clauses 23, 42, 46.4.
• NSCV C2 Chapter 3 for Class 1 and 2 vessels with a load line length of 24 m or more in offshore waters.

As per GES 2022/01, a domestic commercial vessel with a load line length of 24m or more can adhere to either USL Code Section 7 or NSCV C2. For an unpowered barge initially certified to ICLL as uncrewed but intended for operation with people on board, additional freeboard assignment and possible extra markings are required.

Specific load line requirements for sheltered waters operations, as outlined in USL Code Section 7 Part 11 or NSCV C2 Chapter 5, may be applicable based on the intended operation of the vessel.

Electrical components must be approved for use in Australia

An enquiry has been received in relation to vessels being built overseas that intended to include electrical components such as circuit breakers and RCBO units that were not approved by Australian Standards.

Electrical contractors must not install Type AC RCDs after 30 April 2023.

In accordance with AS3000 amendment 2, Type AC RCDs are not to be installed in Australia after 30 April 2023. Type AC Residual Current Devices (RCDs) have been widely used and are effective for tripping sinusoidal alternating currents. However, due to the growing use of electronics, renewable energy, and other technologies, there's a rise in direct current (DC) waveforms appearing on the alternating current (AC) supply.

To address this, AS/NZS 3000:2018 Amendment 2 requires the use of Type A RCDs. These devices can trip both sinusoidal alternating currents and pulsating direct currents.

Amendment 2 also mandates that RCDs placed next to or built into a socket-outlet must interrupt all live (active and neutral) conductors.

Surveyors must be aware that all electrical components need to be approved for use in Australia.

Electrical plan approval

AMSA has recently received several applications featuring solar charging and/or lithium-ion battery ELV installations. These installations are deemed to be “complex ELV systems” under SAGM Table 2 and require additional consideration than standard ELV installations.

The schematics for complex ELV installations require plan approval by a recognised organisation (RO) or an AMS accredited for electrical plan approval.

Solar array installation requires additional licensing for land-based installations. In the absence of an equivalent accreditation category for DCV installations, AMSA requires owners or builders to engage the services of a solar array installer who is licensed in the state or territory where the vessel is located. The attending AMS must obtain an installation certificate from the installer to be used as 3rd party documentation to support their recommendation for survey. The installer must declare that the installation has been carried out in accordance with the approved schematics.

Installations incorporating lithium-ion batteries must be verified against the approved schematics by the attending AMS. The AMS must consider the location of lithium batteries to ensure that in the event of a thermal runaway there are no additional risks to onboard safety.

Operational policy for large commercial yachts operating under the National Law

AMSA receives numerous exemption applications for yachts originally built to foreign flag requirements and now seeking domestic certification within Australia. To assist industry in these circumstances AMSA would like to clarify its specific exemption assessment policy for yachts.

AMSA will consider issuing a specific exemption (from the vessel and equipment standards mentioned in Marine Order 503 (Certificates of survey - national law) 2018)) for yachts which are intended for operation as domestic commercial vessels under the National Law. Generally, such an exemption will be conditional upon the surveyor of the vessel confirming the vessel and its equipment, meet the standards set forth within Marine Order 52 (Yachts and training vessels) 2022. These standards currently being the Red Ensign Code (the Code) and Australian National Annex to the code.

The Red Ensign Code and Australian Annex are internationally recognised standards for yacht safety. This approach ensures that the vessels maintain a high level of safety while also considering the unique needs of yachts in comparison to other commercial vessels.

The policy not only ensures that safety remains a top priority but also simplifies the regulatory process, allowing for a smoother transition for those wishing to operate their yachts as domestic commercial vessels.

Will AMSA consider other approaches?

All specific exemption applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, considering policies that are relevant to the decision, as well as the specific circumstances of an application.

Does AMSA accept foreign flag state / historical certification?

The National Law requires that recommendations be provided by an accredited marine surveyor (AMS) or recognised organisation (RO). The AMS or RO are responsible for assessing the vessel and ensuing it complies with the applicable standards. Previous class certification and or foreign flag certificates do not constitute a recommendation in and of themselves.

Does the yacht need to be classed?

For Yachts under 35 metres, surveys do not have to be conducted by a recognised organisation, and a certificate of class is not required. This policy is intended to reduce the regulatory burden on owners of smaller yachts while still ensuring that they operate safely in Australian waters.

Specific exemptions

AMSA has been receiving requests for exemption from certain areas of the standards that have not been substantiated in accordance with the exemption policy. The exemption policy states that cost or inconvenience is not a legitimate reason to grant an exemption.

It appears that a culture is emerging where, if an owner is reluctant to undertake modifications to their vessel to achieve compliance with the applicable standards, the AMS is encouraging them to apply for exemption. Many of these exemption applications do not meet the exemption policy and are being refused, resulting in administrative costs and time delays to the initial survey process.

• Following are some examples of exemption refusals in 2023:
• Non-compliant fuel tank plating thickness.
• Non-compliant bilge piping in an engine space.
• Non-compliant railings on a houseboat.
• Requirement for fixed fire detection and extinguishing systems.
• Shared fuel tank vents.
• ELV pump in petrol tank cofferdam.
• Structural fire protection in-way-of vehicle deck on Ro-Pax ferry
• Requirement for a vessel to be classed.
• Application of transitional standards for a vessel out of survey for more than 2 years.
• Structural Fire Protection of fuel tanks in an engine space.
• Lightship check / Stability review of a Class 1 vessel Lm>12m.
• Use of Structural Fire Protection in applications not covered by its type approval.
• We strongly encourage AMS’s to strive for compliance with the standards in the first instance, and to inform owners that cost or inconvenience is not an acceptable reason to apply for exemption.

Important notice regarding 10-year surveys for accredited marine surveyors

AMSA has received numerous enquiries from accredited marine surveyors seeking assistance to determine whether vessels are due for their 10-year surveys. In response, AMSA recommends obtaining the vessel report either directly from the client or by downloading it from MARS.

To identify if a vessel has undergone 10-year renewal surveys or partially conducted 10-yearly surveys, please refer to the "Notes/Observations from 10-year renewal survey items" section at the bottom of the vessel report. This section will display relevant information, including the date/s of survey reports and the type of survey conducted.

If the vessel has not completed 10-year survey components, the vessel report will not contain any information in these fields, and hence will not be included. Below is a screen shot of what will appear on a vessel report when a 10 yearly survey has been performed.

Notes / observations from 10 Year renewal survey

AMSA586 Survey activity report and temporary operations

AMSA has been receiving AMSA586 survey activity reports where the use of the temporary operations provision under Exemption 7 Division 6 has been incorrectly applied by the accredited surveyor.

Some examples of erroneous 586 forms include reports where the temporary operations sections are incomplete; not all surveys have been completed; or the reports have been submitted more than 90 days after expiry of the Certificate of Survey. This exposes owners and operators to potential compliance action.

Exemption 07 Division 6 can only be applied when the following conditions are met:

The vessel has held the CoS previously and not been suspended or revoked, and

An application has been made to renew the CoS 180 days before, or up to 90 days after its expiry, and

All renewal surveys (OWAT / PRDC / LTE / SHAFT) have been conducted within 180 days before, or 90 days after CoS expiry, and

The vessel only has minor non-conformances and the accredited marine surveyor issues a signed 586 form to the operator and AMSA stating what the non-compliances are, and the associated standards that apply.

When all of the above conditions are met an owner or operator can operate under Exemption 7 Division 6 as per below:

The exemption begins when the AMS gives the signed 586 report to the owner and AMSA, and

Ends 120 days after the CoS initially expires or when AMSA issues the CoS, and

The owner must keep a copy of the AMSA586 on the vessel.

Photographs provided as supporting documentation

SAGM 2.9.2 encourages AMS’s to use photographs as supporting documentation for their surveys. We see good use of this from many surveyors, however, some MARS assessments have multiple single photos uploaded without a naming convention.

We encourage you to seek software that combines multiple photos into a single pdf so that only one file is uploaded (provided it is less than 20Mb in size). We also encourage you to get in the habit of taking a macro photo showing the overall location of an item to compliment a detailed photo of the item you wish to highlight. Ideally these photos would be annotated with a description.

Season's Greetings

The AMSA team would like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas.

Thank you for your valued relationships and collaboration. We hope everyone has a safe and peaceful Christmas and new year period.

The DCV Applications team remain on deck to process temporary operation applications lodged between Christmas and the New Year. Normal services will return on the 2nd of January 2024.

Use this form to nominate someone in recognition of their 'outstanding contribution to search and rescue' within the Australian region, for financial year 2023-24 (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024).

The Awards are open to individuals, groups or organisations that have made a significant contribution to search and rescue in Australia and deserve recognition at a national level. Submissions close Wednesday 10 July 2024.

Any person or organisation can nominate candidates for the Australian SAR Awards by completing the official nomination form. Recipients will be announced at the annual NATSAR Council meeting.

You can also nominate someone for their longstanding contribution to search and rescue in the Australian region.