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NOTICES TO MARINERS
Fortnightly Notices to Mariners are available in PDF format. We also publish tracings, blocks, cumulative lists and other supplements.
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Australian Seafarers Handbook 2nd Edition
What is the Australian Seafarers Handbook?
Released in January 2005, the Australian Seafarers Handbook is an official nautical publication providing mariners with a description of the Australian physical and jurisdictional maritime environment.
It combines information from various government agencies under the cover of one official nautical publication maintained up-to-date by Notices to Mariners.
It contains much of the textual information which cannot be shown on navigational charts including:
- Seabed characteristics, tides & currents, sea names and shipwrecks
- The regional climatic environment
- Marine Protected Areas, Regulations and responsible agencies
- Major Australian Maritime Legislation and Regulations, and responsible agencies
- Buoyage, Navigation Aids, Coastal Pilotage, Torres Strait and GBR Shipping Routes, Accident and Incident Reporting
- Maritime Safety Information, Meteorological Broadcasts, Warnings, Search and Rescue
- AUSREP and REEFREP Ship Reporting Systems
- Maritime Security, Customs, Quarantine, Immigration and Military information
- Australian trading ports and responsible agencies
Official Status of Australian Seafarers Handbook
The Australian Seafarers Handbook satisfies Chapter V of the SOLAS Convention as amended in 2002 and promulgated for Australia under AMSA Marine Orders Part 21, Order 6 of 2003, which details carriage requirements for nautical charts and publications necessary for the intended voyage.
How is the Australian Seafarers Handbook updated?
The Australian Seafarers Handbook is updated via Notices to Mariners. The relevant notices can be found on the Notices to Mariners section of this website or accessed, automatically, via eNotices.
How often is the Seafarers Handbook produced?
It is expected that the Australian Seafarers Handbook will be re-published every 3-5 years, depending on the volume and size of amendments.
What is the cost of the Australian Seafarers Handbook?
The recommended retail price of the Australian Seafarers Handbook can be found in the Pricing Section of our website.
How do I obtain the Australian Seafarers Handbook?
The Australian Seafarers Handbook can be purchased from your local Chart Agent.
How can I provide feedback on the Australian Seafarers Handbook?
The Australian Hydrographic Service is seeking methods of continual improvement of its products. If you are a user of the Australian Seafarers Handbook and wish to provide feedback please use the following link: Australian Seafarers Handbook Questionnaire.
