Who regulates shipping in the region?
Two agencies from the Australian Government and one agency from the Queensland Government administer a suite of special measures under international treaty law as well as other domestic sources of law to regulate all ships and vessel activities in the region. These agencies include the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).
These agencies share common goals of protection and sustainable use of the marine environment in relation to shipping operations and the safety of life of ships’ crews, passengers and other users of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait. The agencies also support, and provide for, efficient economic activity by shipping and minimise regulation of, and interference with, human activities in the region, consistent with meeting safety and environment protection objectives.
Given the jurisdictional issues relevant to the management of shipping within the Great Barrier Reef, AMSA will continue to work closely with the GBRMPA, MSQ and other agencies with an interest in the region.
This cooperation is enhanced by a Great Barrier Reef Shipping Management Group comprising senior representatives of AMSA, GBRMPA, MSQ and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. The group oversees the adoption and implementation of measures for enhancing maritime safety and marine environment protection in the Great Barrier Reef region.