An Indonesian Navy training ship sailing to Fremantle for a tall ship convention has run into trouble after losing one of its masts in rough seas off Western Australia's Gascoyne coast.

Police say the Dewaruci with 145 crew and naval cadets onboard lost the mast in strong winds.

The tall ship was 60 nautical miles off the coast from Shark Bay when the incident occurred.

There is a strong wind warning in the area.

The crew called for assistance but has since notified authorities they are using the vessel's motors to make their way to Geraldton.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority says it has made contact with the crew on board who say they do not require immediate assistance.

AMSA says the vessel is not an asylum boat.

It was due to arrive in Fremantle on August 27 for three days.

The Fremantle chamber of commerce and industry says 60 crew on board the vessel play in a world renowned marching band and are booked to march through the streets of the city on August 28.

A number of tall ships are visiting the port city enroute to Sydney to celebrate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's fleet in the Sydney harbour.