The 2026 AMSA Compliance Plan: Key Priorities for Vessel Operators

Prepare your fleet for every inspection with a system that keeps your safety records, maintenance logs, and compliance checks organised and ready to present.

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest regulatory focus from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

For maritime operators in Australia, 2025-26 marks a renewed focus on safety, welfare, and environmental compliance. AMSA has released its National Compliance Plan for 2025-26, outlining the key areas where it will be focusing its resources. This isn't just another document—it's a clear roadmap of AMSA's priorities, giving you the opportunity to align your operations and ensure you are prepared for inspections.

Whether you operate domestic commercial vessels, are part of a foreign-flagged vessel visiting Australian ports, or are involved in specialized maritime operations, these priorities will shape the regulatory landscape in the coming year.

What is the AMSA National Compliance Plan 2025-26?

The National Compliance Plan is AMSA's commitment to a transparent and risk-based approach to regulation. It details the areas of highest priority for inspections and compliance activities. The plan is informed by safety data, incident trends, and expert advice to target the most significant risks in the maritime industry.

The key objectives of the plan are to:

• Enhance maritime safety and reduce incidents.

• Protect the marine environment from pollution.

• Ensure the welfare of seafarers.

• Promote a culture of safety and compliance across the industry.

6 Key Focus Areas for Operators in 2025-26

Here are the critical areas that AMSA will be targeting:

1. Risk-Based Inspections: AMSA will conduct at least 2,400 Port State Control (PSC) inspections, using a risk-based model to target vessels. There will be a continued focus on shipboard maintenance, pilot ladder safety, and cargo securing.

2. Seafarer Welfare: In a joint effort with the Fair Work Ombudsman, AMSA will be conducting inspections focusing on compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), particularly regarding seafarer wages and working conditions.

3. Domestic Vessel Safety: For domestic commercial vessels, the priorities are clear:

   • Fatigue management and the implementation of effective Safety Management Systems (SMS).

   • The safe use and management of lithium-ion batteries and the risks of hazardous gases.

   • A continued emphasis on lifejacket wear and reducing person-overboard incidents.

4. Specialised Operations: There will be targeted education and inspections for safe towing and flood operations for emergency service vessels. Additionally, joint inspections with WorkSafe will target high-risk activities like snorkelling and diving.

5. Support for Indigenous Operators: AMSA is committed to providing targeted support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander operators to strengthen their SMS implementation and promote safe operations.

6. Education-Driven Compliance: AMSA will continue its "education-first" approach, providing guidance, workshops, and awareness campaigns to help operators understand and meet their obligations before enforcement actions occur.

From Paperwork to Peace of Mind: How SeaLogs Helps You Meet AMSA's Priorities

Meeting these heightened compliance standards with paper-based logs or scattered spreadsheets is a significant challenge. It creates administrative burdens and increases the risk of non-compliance. A centralised digital platform like SeaLogs is designed to address AMSA's focus areas directly.

• For Maintenance & Inspections: AMSA is targeting maintenance, pilot ladders, and cargo securing.

  
  

  SeaLogs Solution: Create custom pre-departure and operational checklists for all critical items. Schedule predictive maintenance for engines and safety gear with automated reminders. Log completed tasks with photos and digital sign-offs from the responsible crew, creating a perfect, auditable trail.

  
  

• For Crew Welfare & Fatigue: Helping you to minimise Human factors.

  
  

  SeaLogs Solution: automatically record crew sea time. Set up reminders around drills and crew training which keeps everyone up to date with their training, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. This provides transparent, indisputable records for AMSA inspections.

  
  

• For Your Safety Management System (SMS): An effective SMS is the backbone of domestic vessel safety.
  

  SeaLogs Solution: Your SMS becomes a living, digital system. Host safety policies, create custom forms for Take 5s and risk assessments, and log drills and training sessions. All data is time-stamped and securely stored, turning your SMS from a binder on a shelf into a powerful operational tool.

  
  

• For Audit-Ready Documentation: When an inspector comes aboard, you need to provide documentation instantly.

  
  

  SeaLogs Solution: Act as the single source of truth for your vessel. Upload and store all compliance certificates, manuals, and vessel documentation in one place, accessible from any device, anywhere. Pass audits with confidence and without the frantic search for paperwork.

Ready to Master Your AMSA Compliance?

With AMSA's focus clearly defined, now is the time to move from reacting to regulation to proactively managing your compliance. SeaLogs empowers you to get ahead.

Let us help you:

• Stay compliant with AMSA's National Compliance Plan.

• Digitise your SMS and automate your record-keeping.

• Track maintenance, safety, and crew welfare in one place.

• Save over 7+ hours per vessel, per week on admin.

• Pass audits with confidence.

Talk to our compliance specialists or Book a Demo today to see how SeaLogs can prepare your fleet for 2026 and beyond.

Keen to read the AMSA National Compliance Plan for 2025 and 2026? Click here to download.