This is a summarised version of our privacy policy which tells you how we collect and use information. You can read the complete privacy policy here.
Scope
The condensed privacy policy applies to personal information we collect from you, our clients.
We have adopted the layered privacy policy format. This document provides you with an overview of how we handle your personal information.
Personal information handling practices
Collection
We usually collect personal information about individuals directly from those individuals or their authorised representatives.
We sometimes collect personal information from a third party or from a publicly available source, but only if:
- the individual has consented to such collection
- we are required or authorised by law to collect information from someone other than the individual, or
- it is unreasonable or impracticable to collect the information from the individual.
We only collect personal information for purposes which are related to our functions or activities under legislation related to and enabling AMSA's operations, and only when it is necessary for or directly related to such purposes. We only collect information by lawful and fair means.
Use of personal information collected
Any personal information you choose to provide will only be used for the purpose for which it was provided and will not be disclosed to other persons or organisations without your prior consent unless required by law.
The internet is an insecure medium and users should be aware that there are inherent risks transmitting information across the Internet.
Information submitted unencrypted via electronic mail or web forms may be at risk of being intercepted, read or modified. If you do not wish to email or send an online form to us, you can send by post.
Use and disclosure
Subject to the following paragraph, we only use and disclose personal information for the purposes for which we collected it—purposes which are directly related to one of our functions or activities.
Beyond this, we do not use personal information, or give personal information about an individual to other Government agencies, private sector organisations or anyone else, unless one of the following applies:
- the individual has consented
- the individual would reasonably expect us to use or disclose the information for the secondary purpose and the purpose is related (or directly related in the case of sensitive information) to the purpose for which it was collected
- we are required or authorised by law or by an order of a court/tribunal
- we reasonably believe that the use or disclosure of the information is necessary for one or more enforcement related activities conducted by, or on behalf of, an enforcement body
- where suspected unlawful activity or misconduct relating to AMSA’s functions has, is or may be engaged in and disclosure is necessary to take appropriate action in relation to the matter
- it is unreasonable or impracticable to obtain the individual’s consent to the disclosure and it is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to somebody's life or health, or where it is necessary to assist with the location of a person who has been reported missing
- it is necessary for the establishment, exercise, or defence of a legal or equitable claim or in relation to an alternative dispute resolution process.
Note that some of these words, including 'sensitive information' and 'enforcement body' have defined meanings under the Privacy Act 1988.
Data security
We take steps and use up-to-date techniques and processes which meet current government requirements to protect the personal information we hold against loss, unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure, and against other misuse. These steps include maintaining up-to-date computer and network security systems with appropriate firewalls, access controls and passwords to protect electronic copies of personal information, and securing paper files and physical access restrictions.
When the personal information that we collect is no longer required, we destroy or delete it in a secure manner, in accordance with our Records Disposal Authority.
Website privacy policy
Information collected
When you browse this website, our system may automatically make a record of your visit and log the following information for analytical purposes:
- your server address
- top level domain name (for example .com, .net, .gov, .au, etc)
- the type of browser and operating system you used
- date and time of your visit
- the previous site visited
- which pages are accessed
- the time spent on individual pages and the site overall
- mouse actions (such as clicks, movement and scrolling)
- type of device used
- which files were downloaded.
This information is analysed to determine this website's usage statistics and opportunities for improving the way we deliver information.
However, no attempt will be made to identify individual users except where a law enforcement agency (eg the Australian Federal Police) exercises a warrant to inspect our service provider's log files.
We collect no personal information about you unless you voluntarily choose to participate in an activity through this website that involves the provision of personal information, such as:
- sending electronic mail to this website
- participating in a survey or providing feedback on this website
- suggesting a link from this website to an external website.
If you choose not to participate in these activities, your choice will in no way affect your ability to use this website.
Cookies
A cookie is a small file sent by our web server to your web browser software when you access our website.
Some parts of our website may use a cookie to maintain contact through a session. The cookie allows us to recognise you as an individual as you move from one page of our website to another. This cookie will expire on the close of your browser session or on the closing down of your computer.
Most Internet browsers are pre-set to accept cookies. If you prefer not to receive cookies, you can adjust your Internet browser to disable cookies or to warn you when cookies are being used.
Other sites
Our site contains links to external websites and this privacy statement does not extend to those external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of external websites. For more information, refer to our disclaimer statement.
Your choices
You can access the personal information that we hold about you, and you can ask us to correct the personal information we hold about you. For more information, see our complete privacy policy – ‘access and correction’.
If you are listed on one or more of our stakeholder email lists you can opt out at any time. You can unsubscribe by using the ‘unsubscribe’ options noted in our emails.
You may interact with us anonymously or by using a pseudonym, unless we are required or authorised by law to deal with you as an identified individual or it is impracticable for us to deal with you in an unidentified manner.
Our obligations
We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act.
Our information management tool for general stakeholders is called the AMSA Community Directory. Please read the AMSA community directory policy.
Privacy impact assessments
In accordance with section 15(1) of the Privacy (Australian Government Agencies – Governance) APP Code, AMSA is required to maintain a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) Register of all PIAs completed since 1 July 2018.
How to contact us or the Privacy Commissioner
For further information you can write to us at:
Privacy Officer
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181
Canberra City ACT 2601
Contacting the Privacy Commissioner
Advice about the Internet and personal information can be found on the Privacy Commissioner's website.