The TSMSP was originally created in 2006 as a joint initiative between AMSA, Maritime Safety Queensland and the Torres Strait Regional Authority. Its membership subsequently expanded to include Queensland Police and the National Maritime Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea.
In 2012 the Torres Strait Marine Pathway Program (TSMPP) evolved from the TSMSP, and aims to provide Torres Strait islanders and Aboriginal people with maritime and maritime-related vocational career pathways. These pathways lead into careers through diverse and higher level qualifications, and literal pathways into maritime employment beyond the Torres Strait.
The program partners have worked with the Australian Maritime College to train 188 students in total with the majority of those now using those qualifications in their maritime careers including employment in local tourism, fishing and government industries.
Recognition of the program's ongoing success came in the form of a number of national industry nominations and awards, as well as exposure through presentations in a number of national and international fora.
Since the program's inception, the Torres Strait region has seen a 50 per cent reduction in maritime incident trends and more than 60 per cent reduction in search and rescue operations. Most importantly, there has been no loss of lives during the operational lifespan of the TSMSP.
The 2013-14 TSMSP wrap-up video is available to view below or can be downloaded
