Message from the CEO

This year marks a milestone for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), as we celebrate our 21st Anniversary. On 21 October we will be hosting a Charity Ball at the National Museum in Canberra to commemorate this occasion and we would like to invite all of you to attend. You can read more about the Charity Ball in this edition of Aboard.

In this anniversary year, AMSA is proud to have the opportunity to support HMB Endeavour’s historic circumnavigation and, in turn, highlight the role the Authority plays in maritime safety and environmental protection. HMB Endeavour’s journey is detailed in this edition’s feature article.

Like 2010, this year promises to be a busy one with many projects and initiatives being undertaken throughout AMSA. Shortly we will be introducing a new online levy payment system to simplify the payment process for the shipping industry. The new system is outlined in this edition.

As Minister Albanese announced at the beginning of February, a thorough review is being undertaken of Australia’s level of preparedness in the event of a serious maritime pollution incident. This review, detailed below, is expected to be completed during the second half of the year.

In the Spring 2010 edition of Aboard, I mentioned the appointment of Australia’s first Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), HE John Dauth AO LVO. In support of this role, AMSA has recently appointed an Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, Mr Anthony Hogan. 

In December, the IMO approved Australia’s proposal to extend the mandatory ship reporting system in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef (REEFREP). AMSA and Maritime Safety Queensland are progressing well with the roll-out of the infrastructure for this system, which is due to come into force on 1 July 2011.

Our Regulatory Affairs and Reform projects are also progressing well with a series of consultation seminars held throughout the country late last year. The Commonwealth, states and territories are currently working on the core activities for the National System which are outlined in this edition.

I look forward to working with you all again throughout 2011.

Graham Peachey

AMSA steps aboard HMB Endeavour

As the national agency responsible for maritime safety, protection of the marine environment, and maritime and aviation search and rescue, AMSA is proud to partner with the Australian National Maritime Museum in support of HMB Endeavour’s historic circumnavigation in 2011-12.

Built as a gift to the Australian people, Endeavour will embark on its journey in April, following in the wake of our earlier European explorers and visiting major and regional ports across Australia.

The voyage will commence from the HMB Endeavour’s base at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney and trace Captain James Cook's original voyage when he became the first to chart the east coast of Australia in 1770. From Queensland, Endeavour will sail across the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Top End to Darwin, before sailing into the Indian Ocean and along the Western Australian coast to Fremantle.

The voyage will then see Endeavour cross the Great Australian Bight taking in South Australia and continuing around Tasmania, before crossing the Bass Strait to Victoria and returning home to Sydney by May 2012.

At ports around the country, Australians and foreign visitors will have the opportunity to visit the Endeavour and learn more about our nation’s important maritime history. Furthermore, the Endeavour’s journey will highlight the importance of our pristine marine environments. AMSA works with industry and federal and state authorities to minimise the impact of shipping on Australia’s maritime environment, and is also the coordinating authority for marine pollution response.

Throughout its journey, HMB Endeavour will rely upon AMSA’s aids to navigation to ensure a safe passage. AMSA manages a network of more 470 aids to navigation at over 380 sites around Australia’s coastline. The network includes traditional lighthouses, beacons, buoys, racons, Differential Global Positioning System and Automatic Identification System stations, broadcasting tide gauges and a current meter.

AMSA is proud to be aboard HMB Endeavour as it sails into history, and will be present at ports along the way to support the voyage.

More details will be available on the AMSA website www.amsa.gov.au, and from the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Endeavour website www.endeavourvoyages.com.au, as the journey progresses.

AMSA celebrates 21 years

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority was created by the Act which received Royal Assent in October 1990 and subsequently will be celebrating its 21st Anniversary in October this year. Given the significance of this milestone – and to acknowledge the contribution made by the maritime sector during AMSA's 21 year history – AMSA will be hosting a celebratory Charity Ball on Friday 21 October 2011.

AMSA's 21st Anniversary Charity Ball will be a formal occasion, held at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, and will serve to recognise the dedication of Australia’s key seafarer welfare organisations. Strengthened by the recent establishment of the Seafarers' Welfare Advisory Committee, AMSA is committed to improving the safety and welfare of Australian seafarers and acknowledges the contributions of our seafarer welfare organisations who provide continued care and support to our nation's seafarers.

All tickets purchased for AMSA’s 21st Anniversary Charity Ball will include a contribution to:

• Apostleship of the Sea Australia;
• The Australian Mariners’ Welfare Society; and
• The Mission to Seafarers, Australia. 

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, has been invited to address guests and launch a commemorative 21st Anniversary publication on the night. Passionate yachtsman and environmental advocate, Mr Ian Kiernan AO OAM will be guest speaker, and Tracey Spicer will be at the helm of the night's proceedings as Master of Ceremonies. 

Attendance to the Ball is open to all, in particular those involved in the maritime industry – both past and present – so we invite you all to join us for an evening of celebration, networking and reminiscing whilst enjoying a delicious three-course meal and fine wines with expansive views of Lake Burley Griffin. Ticket sales will open in the coming months so to register your interest in attending simply complete your details online.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Opportunities to sponsor AMSA's 21st Anniversary Charity Ball are available with sponsorship providing an excellent occasion to highlight your organisation whilst providing support to seafarer charities and AMSA's commitment to promoting safety and protecting the environment.

Sponsorship details can be found within the Sponsorship Opportunities brochure and we welcome your support of this event.

For more information, visit www.amsa.gov.au/21years.

Dedication of The Allan Thomson Boardroom

In honour of one of AMSA's former Board of Directors, Mr Allan Thomson AM, the Boardroom within AMSA's Canberra Head Office was officially named The Allan Thomson Boardroom on 16 February. 

Mr Thomson had a distinguished career, serving as National Executive Director of the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service and Managing Director of Howard Smith Ltd. Mr Thomson also held a number of Directorships, including as a member of the AMSA Board of Directors from 2004 to 2008, and as Chair of AMSA's Board Audit Committee from 2007. 

Mr Thomson was an esteemed gentleman and colleague, as well as a close friend to many at AMSA. Sadly, Mr Thomson passed away in October 2008 leaving behind fond memories of a community-minded, enthusiastic and compassionate man, who gave his time freely and worked tirelessly in support of AMSA and many other causes.

Amongst an intimate gathering of current and former Board members and the AMSA Executive, the official naming took place with Mr Thomson's wife, Betty, and son, Stuart present to cut the ribbon and unveil the commemorative plaque.

Former AMSA Chairman, Mr Ted Anson AM shared some history and personal thoughts of his mate, Allan "Thomo" Thomson, thanking Betty and Stuart Thomson for their attendance.

Allan Thomson was a well respected member of the AMSA Board of Directors and community and was renowned for his wisdom, sincerity and generosity.

Pictured: AMSA Chairman Mr Leo Zussino, Mrs Betty Thomson, Mr Stuart Thomson and Mr Ted Anson AM (top), commemorative plaque (middle) and Mr Ted Anson AM (bottom).

Australia's new International Maritime Organization Alternate Permanent Representative

Australia has significantly increased its commitment to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the establishment of a permanent Australian mission to the IMO, based in London.

Late last year, Australia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, HE John Dauth AO LVO, was accredited as Australia’s first Permanent Representative to the IMO. In support of this role, AMSA has also appointed an Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, Mr Anthony Hogan. Both permanent representatives are based at Australia’s High Commission in London.

Anthony will provide support to all Australian delegations attending meetings at the IMO throughout the year and will provide a permanent Australian contact for the other 168 Member States of the IMO.

Anthony was in Australia in February for briefings with AMSA staff and other Australian government agencies. During his visit he also met with AMSA regional staff in the Sydney and Melbourne offices, accompanying them on ship inspections and joining a pollution observation flight on AMSA’s Dornier aircraft out of Melbourne.

Anthony is looking forward to working closely with AMSA staff and acting as an important inter-sessional liaison for IMO matters within the permanent representatives’ network in London, with the IMO Council elections and election of a new IMO Secreatry-General taking place later this year.

Regulatory Affairs and Reform update

Our Regulatory Affairs and Reform team was busy late last year conducting consultations from Brisbane to Broome with state and territory safety authorities, commercial vessel industry representatives and interested local maritime groups.

The meetings were well attended and included briefings on the background to the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) decision to simplify the current maritime regulatory system by making AMSA the national regulator of commercial vessel safety in 2013.

The National System will have a focus on operational safety and will assist seafarers, boat builders and vessel operators working across all states and territories.

The Commonwealth, states and territories are currently working on the core activities for the National System, which include:

• modernisation of the Navigation Act 1912;
• the development of a new Maritime Safety (National Law) Act;
• complementary state legislation to apply the new Commonwealth Act;
• new national standards under the auspices of the National Marine Safety Committee;
• updating Marine Orders Part 3 – Seafarer Qualifications (the 'Tinny to Tanker' project) to implement a new system of national marine qualifications; and
• revising Marine Orders in general and other instruments.

The Australian Transport Council is currently in the process of finalising the elements of the National System, including vessels subject to the new system, relative legislative coverage between the Commonwealth and state and territory authorities, transitional arrangements and how the national function will be delivered by the different authorities.

Governance and financial arrangements of the national safety authority are expected to be formalised by COAG in an Inter-Governmental Agreement later this year.

A detailed cost review and ongoing consultations with state and territory safety authorities are underway to help identify the most efficient and effective means to deliver the National System.

The work of the standards development unit in Sydney is well advanced. This unit develops the national maritime safety standards which are the basic foundation of the new National System. As part of completing the National Standards for Commercial Vessels, there also are a number of new standards and research projects underway to support the National System.

For further updates please click here.

Levies – An easier way to pay

AMSA will shortly be introducing an easier way to pay levies.

Shipping agents and operators will be able to check the status, pay, and manage AMSA levies online using the new Levy Payment Portal without the need to visit an Australian Customs and Border Protection Service office.

Integrated with electronic receipting, the new Levy Payment Portal provides instant issue of receipts, perfect for when quick vessel clearance is required.

The portal includes the online payment options of:

• Credit card (Visa and MasterCard only);
• Direct debit authority; and
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

Other helpful features to assist with levy management include:

• a revised expiry date search, for both international and coastal trade vessels; and
• a levy calculator.

In addition to these new public features, a number of internal business and levy administration efficiencies will be gained through the introduction of this portal.  

The new Levy Payment Portal will be located at www.amsa.gov.au/levies.

Revision of the National Plan and National Maritime Emergency Response Arrangements

On 1 February, Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, announced a thorough review of Australia’s level of preparedness in the event of a serious maritime pollution incident.

The review will include both the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances (the National Plan) and the National Maritime Emergency Response Arrangements (NMERA), and is expected to be completed during the second half of 2011. There are two projects being conducted as part of this process – a risk assessment and a review to ensure the continued effectiveness of the National Plan and NMERA.

A contract for undertaking the risk assessment has been awarded to Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The project is being managed by DNV’s London office and will report on current and future oil spill risk categorised by cause (i.e. grounding, collision, offshore petroleum incident), taking into account data such as shipping and offshore facility density, type and distribution, environmental sensitivity and accident/casualty statistics. 

A contract for a National Plan and NMERA Review has been awarded to Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) and Thompson Clarke Shipping (TCS). PB & TCS have an experienced project team with a comprehensive knowledge of the National Plan. The project is being managed by PB's Newcastle office. PB &TCS will investigate whether the National Plan and NMERA continue to meet Australia's treaty obligations and government/stakeholder expectations, as well as identifying future needs and any gaps in the current system.

The review is particularly timely – the draft government response to the Report of the Montara Commission of Inquiry includes seven findings and 13 recommendations requiring some level of National Plan/AMSA involvement, either directly or by providing input to other agencies. Several of these findings and recommendations will be addressed during the National Plan/NMERA Review.

While PB & TCS will be contacting key stakeholders during the review, AMSA values any contributions to the review process – Have Your Say.

National Plan training alignment

As part of its preparedness for marine pollution, AMSA National Plan training has moved to align with other emergency services in training responders under the Australian Qualification Training Framework (AQTF) and Competency Based Training (CBT).

The previous courses have been replaced by a range of skill sets chosen predominantly from the Public Service Training Package that will enhance core and specialist knowledge in incident control and response to marine pollution incidents.

AMSA is also developing a range of interactive online courses to cover underpinning skills.  The planned release is early March 2011.

A further component of AMSA’s training plan is the development of six brand new units of competency that were identified as "gap" areas in the Public Safety Training Package and these will be added to the package shortly.

The new units are:

• apply decision making strategies in an oil spill response;
• apply health, safety and risk controls when working on oiled shorelines;
• apply oiled shoreline assessment strategies in an oil spill response;
• lead a team in oiled shoreline cleanup;
• use basic equipment operations for oil spill response; and
• use advanced equipment operations for oil spill response.

Port State control course, Kenya

In early February, AMSA marine surveyors Jennifer Tumbers and David Ferguson were assigned as facilitators for an advanced port State control (PSC) course in Mombasa, Kenya. The course was hosted by the Kenyan Maritime Authority in conjunction with the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Indian Ocean MoU, International Maritime Organization and sponsored by the Nippon Foundation.

Seventeen delegates represented the following regions; the Indian Ocean MoU, Riyadh MoU, Black Sea MoU, Caribbean MoU, Vina Del Mar Agreement, Mediterranean MoU and Abuja MoU.  Facilitators were provided by the Republic of Korea, Japan and Australia and overseen by the Tokyo MoU.

During the first week of the course the facilitators delivered a training package on the requirements of PSC inspections, including SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, STCW, MLC 2006 (defined below) and Load line. The second week was dedicated to practical training with the inspection of several vessels in the port of Mombasa which enabled delegates to put the previous week’s training into practice. Each facilitator was accompanied by one representative of the Kenyan Maritime Authority and three delegates during the ship inspection.

After the inspections, the AMSA surveyors delivered a presentation using photos of problems/deficiencies that had been identified during the inspections. This was well received by the delegates as it put into practice the rules that had been learnt during the previous week and helped them to better understand the application of the various rules.

During the weekend between the theoretical and practical elements of the training, the course members were joined by the Chairman of the Indian Ocean MoU, Mr Ganguli, who provided helpful advice to delegates. Facilitators and delegates all enjoyed the program and agreed the training mission was successful in helping foster harmonisation of procedures for PSC inspections.

SOLAS – International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
MARPOL – International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
ISM – International Safety Management
STCW – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
MLC 2006 – Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

REEFREP extension update

In December 2010, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved Australia’s proposal to extend the mandatory ship reporting system in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef (REEFREP). This will come into force on 1 July 2011.

REEFREP is a core component of REEFVTS, requiring ships to identify themselves and provide information to the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) centre located in Townsville. The information provided includes the vessel’s intended transit through the region such as entry/exit reports along with details of their passage. 

Extending the coverage of REEFVTS to the southern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef will provide protective measures comparative to that of the existing coverage area. The goal is to enhance vessel safety and protection of the marine environment throughout the Great Barrier Reef.

AMSA and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) are progressing well with the roll-out of the infrastructure necessary to support the reporting system such as sensors, communication equipment and modified navigational software. The area was not in the path of the recent Tropical Cyclone Yasi, and therefore the newly installed equipment was not affected. 

Marine Orders Part 56 – REEFREP is currently being revised to give effect to the extended area.  It is anticipated this will be available for public comment in March 2011.

For more information on the REEFVTS extension, contact reefvts@amsa.gov.au.

AIS network – technology and data sharing

Over the past few years AMSA has been implementing technologies to provide information on those vessels present in our waters. This has included developments in Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT), the Automatic Identification System (AIS), and an in-house display solution for multiple data streams called the Craft Tracking System (CTS). 

Working towards a cohesive AIS shore station network, AMSA has been actively engaged with others who have implemented AIS. This has been led by the non-AMSA AIS data sharing project, which works to put in place policy agreements on AIS data sharing before implementing technical solutions to access data. The AIS network is now close to 70 stations, providing coverage of the key areas off Australia's coastline. Click here to view a short video on AIS data.

While the formal project to network the AIS shore stations is nearing completion – project termination date in April 2011 – there will be an ongoing effort to maintain the existing network, as well as increasing it to meet requirements in support of the core AMSA functions.   

In addition to the terrestrial shore network, AMSA has also be trialling developing satellite AIS technology. The ability to detect the AIS signals from satellite provides detailed information on the vessels in our search and rescue region. 

ETV Pacific Responder rescues fishermen in Torres Strait

On 17 February, AMSA’s contracted Emergency Towage Vessel (ETV) Pacific Responder rescued two men from a sunken fishing vessel in Torres Strait.

At around 10:00am (AEST) the two crew members of the fishing vessel Wanda reported the vessel was sinking and they were transferring to a life raft. The vessel was approximately 55 nautical miles east of Horn Island on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.

As well as the Pacific Responder, AMSA’s Rescue Coordination Centre tasked AMSA's dedicated search and rescue Dornier aircraft out of Cairns, a Coastwatch aircraft and a rescue helicopter from Horn Island to respond.

Shortly before 12:00pm (AEST) the two men were recovered by the ETV Pacific Responder’s workboat and transferred to the vessel. Both men were uninjured.

Pacific Responder transferred the two men to Coconut Island before they were flown home to Thursday Island.

Pictured: Survivors with ETV Pacific Responder crew members (top) and the survivors with their life raft (bottom).

Beacon registrations in 2010

406 MHz distress beacon registrations remain strong at an average of 3,500 per month. 

In 2010, AMSA registered 42,000 distress beacons. Currently there are approximately 190,000 distress beacons registered in Australia. The biennial distress beacon registration renewal process commenced in June 2010 and since then AMSA has issued approximately 29,000 registration stickers.

Maritime Operations - East, Newcastle

Since the last edition of Aboard, a number of staff changes have occurred in AMSA’s Newcastle office.

In December 2010, Peter Ferguson, Port Marine Surveyor, retired after 20 years service with AMSA. He has been replaced by Ajay Rana.

Ajay joins AMSA after previously working as the Head Teacher, Maritime Studies at TAFE NSW, Hunter Institute in Newcastle. He has a background in teaching as well as a Degree in Marine Engineering and a Class 1 certificate of competency.

Ajay started his sailing career in 1985 and sailed for over 10 years on various types of vessels including cargo ships, bulk carriers and tankers. In 1996 Ajay took up a shore job as a Technical Superintendent in Singapore. After a stint in Singapore he moved to Newcastle and joined Hunter Institute TAFE as a marine engineering teacher in 1998 where he worked until joining AMSA.

The Newcastle office also welcomes Greg Collinson, Port Marine Surveyor, who commenced with AMSA in January and replaced Ron Williams when he retired on 16 February. Greg joins AMSA with a wealth of knowledge after 17 years as a Lloyd’s surveyor.

Greg commenced his seagoing career with BHP as a Marine Engineer Cadet attending the Australian Maritime College from 1981-84. Greg remained with BHP as Marine Engineer until 1993 when he joined Lloyd’s Register as a Marine Surveyor. He commenced work with Lloyd’s in Newcastle and later worked in Adelaide and Cairns.

AMSA wishes to thank Peter and Ron for their contribution to the organisation and welcomes Ajay and Greg to the Maritime Operations - East team.

AMSA Australia Day Awards

In recognition of his sustained efforts over a number of years, the 2010 Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Lyndon O'Grady (Senior Technical Officer, Maritime Standards Division) at AMSA’s annual Australia Day awards function.

Chief Executive Officer, Graham Peachey presented Lyndon with his award recognising his role in ensuring the heritage value of our historic lighthouse and maritime artefacts.

"In performing this role, Lyndon has consistently gone above and beyond what would be expected of someone performing these duties. His heritage-related work is fitted in around his day-to-day aids to navigation maintenance contract tasks and this award recognises Lyndon's sustained efforts not just throughout 2010, but over a number of years," the CEO said.

A Certificate for Outstanding Achievement - Highly Commended was presented to Peter Kelly (Emergency Response Division). Peter is one of AMSA's Maritime Search and Rescue Officers within the Rescue Coordination Centre – Australia (RCC).

Emergency Response Division General Manager, John Young presented Peter with his Certificate which was awarded for "actively seeking to improve the AUSREP system through enhancing processes within the RCC and also by facilitating participation by shipping." AUSREP is the Australian Ship Reporting System established under the Navigation Act 1912.

Peter has proposed many changes to the AUSREP system that have dramatically improved the processing requirements conducted by operators. Through actively seeking to understand the architecture of the system, Peter has been able to suggest the most effective changes within the existing limitations, reducing manual processing requirements by over 50 per cent.

AMSA staff engagement exceeds national average

The results of the 2010 AMSA Staff Engagement Survey indicate that 65 per cent of AMSA staff are fully engaged – significantly more than the Australian benchmark average of 36 per cent.

The survey was conducted between 23 November and 3 December 2010. It consisted of 67 statements and asked staff to indicate their agreement with each statement on a five point scale – strongly disagree to strongly agree. The survey also contained four open ended questions.

A representative sample of staff (84.4 per cent or 248 people) responded to the survey.

Overall, the results of the survey are very positive with 32 of a possible 57 items in the survey showing significant improvement from 2008 and the percentage of fully engaged employees rising from 48 to 65 per cent during this period. These results show that AMSA employees are not only fully engaged with their work, but highly committed to the organisation.

The result was described by the firm conducting the survey as "an exceptional outcome and one that is very difficult to achieve." The firm went on to say "the result places AMSA in the top 10 per cent of high performing campanies in terms of engagement."