Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)
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.
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:
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.
To make an application for a continuous synopsis record, you need to:
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.
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.
Before you send us your application, pay the fee online.
Record your payment reference number in the ‘Submitting your application’ section on your application form.
Send the completed form to us at our postal or courier address, or by email to sro@amsa.gov.au.
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.
If there are any changes to particulars on the continuous synopsis record, you need to:
Before you send us your application, pay the fee online.
Record your payment reference number in the ‘Submitting your application’ section on your application 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.
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.
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.
For a final continuous synopsis record to be issued, you need to:
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.
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.
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.