Blog · Regulation Updates
Regulatory Updates: PSC Priorities and Environmental Rules in Australia
For ship operators, masters, and shipping agents preparing for Australian port calls, maintaining a clear view of the regulatory landscape is absolutely essential. From the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) biofouling requirements to Port State Control (PSC) targeting by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), non-compliance can lead to costly delays and detentions. This update provides an overview of critical environmental and safety regulations shaping Australian arrivals today.
AMSA Port State Control and the Tokyo MOU Focus
AMSA continues to take a stringent approach to port state control, with a clear focus on safety management and maintenance. According to AMSA's 2024 Annual Inspections Report, the authority recorded 133 PSC detentions from 2,264 initial inspections, resulting in a 5.9 percent detention rate. Safety management (ISM) remains a significant concern across the fleet, constituting 27.57 percent of all detainable deficiencies.
Vessels operating in the Asia-Pacific region must also be prepared for targeted regulatory campaigns. For example, the Tokyo MOU Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Fire Safety, conducted between 1 September and 30 November 2023, resulted in 8,273 total inspections. Of those, 7,190 completed a specific CIC questionnaire. Fire safety preparedness remains a top priority for port state control officers, and any deficiencies in emergency escape routes or fire drill execution can trigger immediate detainment. Berthfile offers a proactive PSC risk scoring tool based on AMSA's published data, allowing operators to assess their vessel's risk profile well before arrival.
Navigating DAFF Biofouling Requirements
While AMSA oversees the Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS) certification regime, Australia's territorial biofouling regulations are administered strictly by DAFF under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Biosecurity Amendment (Biofouling Management) Regulations 2021.
Operators must submit biofouling information via the MARS (Maritime Arrivals Reporting System) pre-arrival report. DAFF accepts exactly three proactive biofouling management practices for a commercial vessel:
- Operating under a Biofouling Management Plan and Record Book consistent with Appendix A of the Australian Biofouling Management Requirements (ABFMR).
- Cleaning all biofouling from the hull and niche areas within 30 days prior to arrival.
- Implementing an alternative management practice pre-approved by DAFF, which requires submitting an application at least 30 days before arrival.
It is critical to note that simply having a compliant antifouling coating alone does not qualify as an accepted practice under DAFF rules. Furthermore, the latest ABFMR for Commercial Vessels (Version 4) took effect on 30 April 2026. This version sets specific evidence standards, such as Appendix B, which outlines the minimum acceptable content for an in-water cleaning report. If a vessel intends to perform in-water hull cleaning in Queensland waters, such as near the Port of Brisbane, operators must secure a separate Queensland approval from Biosecurity Queensland or DETSI on top of federal capture requirements.
Environmental Compliance and MEPC 81 Outcomes
On the international front, the IMO continues to roll out environmental frameworks that impact long-term compliance strategies. During the MEPC 81 session in March 2024, the committee took significant steps in tackling greenhouse gas emissions. This included the adoption of the 2024 Guidelines on life cycle GHG intensity of marine fuels (resolution MEPC.391(81)), which provides revised calculations for default emission factors.
Additionally, the session approved the establishment of two new Emission Control Areas (ECAs) for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides, and Particulate Matter in Canadian Arctic Waters and the Norwegian Sea. While these ECAs are located outside Australian waters, vessels operating on global trade routes must integrate these requirements into their broader passage planning and fuel management strategies.
The committee also addressed marine litter. MEPC 81 approved new recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers, covering stowage, packaging, and correct transport information.
For biofouling specifically, the IMO's current framework is the voluntary 2023 Guidelines (resolution MEPC.378(80)), which officially supersede the older 2011 guidelines. However, vessels arriving in Australia must adhere to DAFF's binding ABFMR, which serves as the mandatory minimum standard for Australian territorial seas.
Actionable Takeaways for Operators
To ensure smooth operations at the Port of Brisbane and other Australian terminals, operators should take the following steps:
- Review planned maintenance systems thoroughly to ensure all main engine and power generation equipment is operating correctly, mitigating ISM detainable deficiencies.
- Update biofouling record books to align with DAFF's ABFMR Version 4 requirements before submitting the MARS pre-arrival report.
- Ensure all fire safety equipment is tested and crew members are familiar with emergency procedures, reflecting the ongoing PSC focus highlighted by the Tokyo MOU data.
Preparing for an Australian port call requires strict adherence to both domestic biosecurity laws and international safety standards. By staying informed on the latest regulatory developments, operators can minimize friction and maintain efficient commercial schedules.
Disclaimer: This article provides general regulatory news and information, not legal or regulatory advice.