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How do I report the discharge of waste from ships?

Report illegal discharges to your local authority or the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the national maritime agency whose responsibilities include protecting the marine environment from pollution from ships, including garbage.

Laws in Australia restrict the discharge into the sea of all kinds of garbage, from vessels of all sizes. Certain requirements also apply to the discharge of oil, noxious liquids, harmful substances carried in packaged form, sewage, and air pollution.

Working together to combat marine pollution

AMSA and Tangaroa Blue Foundation are working together to combat marine debris by
promoting community awareness of marine pollution from vessels and related shipping
regulations, and identifying types of marine debris, possible sources and overall trends.

Waste that cannot be discharged from vessels

  • Domestic waste

  • Operational waste

  • Incinerator ashes

  • All plastics

  • Cigarette butts

  • Wood

  • Cooking oil

  • Paper products, including cardboard

     

  • Lining and packing materials

  • Rags

  • Metal

  • Glass

  • Aluminium tins

  • Fishing gear (line, nets, traps, etc.)

  • Crockery

  • Dunnage

Waste that can be discharged from vessels in certain circumstances

  • Cargo residues

  • Deck sweepings
  • Food waste (ground)

What to do if you see a vessel discharging garbage into the ocean

If you see a vessel discharging any of the prohibited items listed above, you can help by reporting it to local authorities or AMSA. Any information you can collect is useful for further investigation and possible prosecution of the polluters, including:

  • vessel’s name or number;

  • the time, date and GPS location of the discharge;

  • a description of the type of garbage discharged, including quantity;

  • other witnesses or ships in the vicinity;

  • photographs or videos of the pollution, the ship or person involved; and

  • the actual garbage discharged.


Reports can be made to AMSA’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Canberra at any time:
Within Australia: 1800 641 792 (freecall)
Outside Australia: +61 2 6230 6811


You can also Submit a Pollution Report.


AMSA investigates reports of illegal garbage discharges, and penalties can apply to a vessel’s owner and the master if the claims are proven. A vessel might also face costly time in detention at an Australian port while investigations occur.