National Maritime Safety Authority - NMSA

- MEDIA RELEASE -

"NMSA warns of boating during bad weather"

18th March 2026

The National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) has strongly warned small boat owners, operators and passengers particularly in the Southern region to reconsider any sea voyage due to a severe weather conditions warning been issued by the National Weather Service.

-MEDIA RELEASE-

"NMSA: Take heed of sea safety measures"

22nd January 2026

The National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute small boat owners and operators who do not comply with the Small Craft Act (SCA) 2011.

NMSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Captain Krzysztof Orlowski made remark following the report of the recent incident involving betelnut traders on a boat which capsized on the way from Madang to Kimbe and left passengers stranded in the open sea.

FOR: MEDIA RELEASE

DATE: December 27, 2025

SUBJECT: AN AUSTRALIAN REGISTERED VESSEL MV CORAL ADVENTURER RAN AGROUND OFF FINSCHHAFEN COAST AT POSITION; 06° 39.5’ S, 147° 51.39’ E, IN PNG WATERS.

Papua New Guinea Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (PNGMRCC) was first alerted of the situation at 0657 hours Saturday, 27 December 2025, via the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Australia. Direct communication with the vessel’s Master was established at 0735hrs, confirming the grounding time as at 0525hrs.

-MEDIA RELEASE-
"Madang establish Small Craft Board"
11th December 2025

Madang Province is now ready to roll out the enforcement of the Small Craft registration and licensing by the establishment of a Small Craft Board.

The National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) congratulates the Madang provincial government and its administration for making this commitment to improving the maritime safety of its people by ensuring that the province is ready to carry out its role under the Small Craft Act (SCA) 2011.

-MEDIA RELEASE-

NMSA warns of unsafe boating practises

10th December 2025

The National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) has strongly warned small boat owners and operators to be more responsible and practice safety first at sea especially during the festive season.

NMSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Unas issued this warning in light of the recent tragic boat incident in Port Moresby said small boat owners, operators and passengers in the maritime provinces must exercise some responsibility and comply with sea safety measures including, not overloading, carrying extra fuel and not traveling in bad weather.

We are hiring!

The NMSA wishes to invite suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the Senior Payroll & Benefits Officer position based in Port Moresby.

For more information on the job description for this role, visit our website https://www.nmsa.gov.pg/about-us/careers-at-nmsa/

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION WORKSHOPS ON THE PROPOSED MERCHANT SHIPPING (PILOTAGE) REGULATION 2022, SCHEDULED FOR JUNE & AUGUST 2025

Your voice matters! Join the conversation and contribute to a meaningful change.

Your feedback is due on the 30th September 2025.

Visit our LinkedIn Page to access the Concept Paper (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7340139210013667329)

Announcement: The National Maritime Safety Authority will be conducting a national consultation Workshop on the Draft Pacific One-Maritime Framework from 5th to 6th June 2025 at the Grand Papua Hotel in Port Moresby.

We want to hear from you!

Visit our website for more information -
www.nmsa.gov.pg/about-us/notices/

🚨 Important Updates from PNG NMSA! 🚨

We’re excited to announce that key documents are now available on our website! 🌐

📜 Maritime Search & Rescue Bill Invitation
📅 Change of Dates for Upcoming Events

Stay ahead by checking out these critical updates, especially if you’re involved in the maritime sector. Your participation is essential in shaping the future of maritime safety in PNG! 🌊🚢

👉 Get the details here:

https://www.nmsa.gov.pg/news/maritime-search-rescue-bill-invitation-and-event-date-changes-key-documents-now-available/

Let’s work together for safer waters and a stronger maritime community! 💪⚓


Images of Respective MSAR Bill Consultations already completed in Buka, Rabaul, Lae, Madang and Alotau.

🌊 Happy World Maritime Day 2024! 🌊

Today, PNG NMSA joins the global maritime community in celebrating World Maritime Day, highlighting the maritime industry's pivotal role in shaping our nation's future. This year’s theme, "Navigating the Future: Safety First," reminds us of our immense responsibility to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly maritime operations.

In Papua New Guinea, the maritime sector drives economic growth, facilitates trade, and connects our communities. At PNG NMSA, we are committed to enhancing safety standards, modernizing our regulatory framework, and safeguarding our pristine marine environment for future generations.

Let's continue to innovate, collaborate, and ensure that PNG's maritime industry remains resilient and sustainable!

Click here to read more:https://www.nmsa.gov.pg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NMSA-Supplement-2024-World-Maritime-Day.pdf
https://www.nmsa.gov.pg/news/happy-world-maritime-day-2024/
🌊🚢