The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is running a nationwide inspection campaign focusing on hazardous gases on domestic commercial vessels from 2 February until 30 April 2026.
The aim of the campaign is to ensure that vessel owners, operators and crew understand the risks associated with hazardous gases and are complying with the requirements of Marine Order 504.
It is targeting domestic commercial vessels with: sewage and organic waste systems; engines, generators and fuel-burning appliances; and stored high-pressure gases.
Focus areas
Inspectors will look for:
- documented risk assessment and procedures for hazardous gases
- crew training on hazardous gas identification and response
- Information signage provided to class 4 hirers regarding hazardous gases
- sufficient ventilation in sanitary facilities.
Inspectors will make focused inspections in conjunction with regular domestic commercial vessel inspections using a checklist. Where a deficiency is found against the checklist, the inspector will discuss it with the person in charge of the vessel with a view to ensuring the vessel is brought into compliance.
Inspection checklist
- Does the vessel risk assessment identify and control the risk of hazardous gases?
- Does the SMS identify regular programmed inspections and maintenance of sullage tanks and plumbing?
- Have crew undertaken any induction, on-board familiarisation or training for identifying and responding to hazardous gases?
- Does the SMS include clear and relevant procedures for the pumping out of blackwater, greywater, or bilgewater tanks?
- Do the toilet areas have sufficient mechanical or natural ventilation to open air?
- Is the vessel fitted with, or do crew have access to hazardous gas monitoring devices? (not mandated by the NCSV or USL code but may be a risk control to be implemented under the vessel’s SMS, particularly for enclosed spaces)
- Class 4 only: Is information provided to hirers about the risks of hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide?
- Class 4 only: Is signage or labelling in place warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide in confined areas?
Find out more: AMSA FIC 2026 – Hazardous gases on DCVs
