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10/11/2025

Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Regulator function

Regulates maritime safety (including the licencing and safety certification of domestic commercial vessels), protection of the marine environment, and provides maritime aviation search and rescue.

Legislation

The AMSA delivers regulatory and operational functions empowered under the following primary legislation, which is administered by Surface Transport Policy Division

Maritime and Shipping Branch:

  • Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 (AMSA Act)
  • Marine Navigation Levy Act 1989
  • Marine Navigation Levy Collection Act 1989
  • Marine Navigation (Regulatory Functions) Levy Act 1991
  • Marine Navigation (Regulatory Functions) Levy Collection Act 1991
  • Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012
  • Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law (Consequential Amendments) Act 2012
  • Navigation Act 2012
  • Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability) Act 1981
  • Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage) Act 2008
  • Protection of the Sea (Harmful Anti- fouling Systems) Act 2006
  • Protection of the Sea (Imposition of Contributions to Oil Pollution Compensation Funds—Customs) Act 1993
  • Protection of the Sea (Shipping Levy Collection) Act 1981
  • Shipping Registration Act 1981
  • Maritime Legislation Amendment Act 2007
  • Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983
  • Protection of the Sea (Powers of Intervention) Act 1981
  • Protection of the Sea (Oil Pollution Compensation Funds) Act 1993
  • Protection of the Sea (Imposition of Contributions to Oil Pollution Compensation Funds—General) Act 1993
  • Protection of the Sea (Imposition of Contributions to Oil Pollution Compensation Funds—Excise) Act 1993
  • Limitattion of Liability for Maritime Claims Act 1989
Regulated community

Commercial ship and vessel owners and operators, Coastal pilots, Seafarers, Boat builders, Marine surveyors and Registered training organisations offering training in the maritime industry.

Portfolio
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Internal to department / external
External
Ministerial Statement of Expectations
Statement of Expectations
Ministerial Statement of Expectations date
30 September 2024
Regulator Statement of Intent
Statement of Intent
Regulator Statement of Intent date
7 January 2025
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