The Board engaged with AMSA’s Fremantle staff and had the opportunity to attend several site visits including the HR Wallingford Ship Simulation Centre, MinRes Marine, and Fugro. Following the Board meeting, the Board received a presentation from Fortescue Metals Group on their work developing alternative fuels for the maritime industry and engaged with local stakeholders at an informal afternoon tea at the East Fremantle Yacht Club.
The visits and forum assist our Board in maintaining a contemporary knowledge of the diverse operating environments, different maritime industries, and awareness of the innovative new and emerging technologies in maritime sectors, particularly those that offer improved safety, environmental and operational outcomes. Additionally, they provide the opportunity for direct engagement with stakeholders.
This Meeting
- The Board received a presentation on the 2022 near stranding of the bulk carrier Portland Bay and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s (ATSB) investigation and subsequent recommendations for AMSA. The Board noted the ATSB findings and AMSA’s response, including the continual management of lessons learned by AMSA and the improvements already implemented.
- The Board reviewed AMSA’s Enterprise Risk Register and Developing Risk Register – documents which are reviewed regularly and provide the Board with oversight of management’s identification, control and treatment of risks.
- The Board reviewed the changes to AMSA’s Accountable Authority Instructions (AAI) and Corporate Authorisation Summary (CAS) and reaffirmed their authorisation for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to issue AAIs on their behalf under section 58 (1) of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 (AMSA Act).
- The Board received their six-monthly Payment Times Reporting Scheme report which showed an improved small business payment performance over the reporting period.
- The Board discussed AMSA’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) Report for AMSA’s workforce, including the key issues around reporting psychosocial hazards and risks.
- The Board received a presentation on the myAMSA Seafarer Certification portal and noted the tangible benefits for seafarers in reducing the time and cost of their certification requirements. The Board commended the team on the collaborative approach to building and delivering a sustainable in-house product at an affordable cost.
Next Meeting
The next Board meeting will be held in Canberra on 24 September 2025.
Capt. Jeanine Drummond
Chair, AMSA Board