This Charter sets out the roles, responsibilities of the Board of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority

2009-10 was an extraordinary year in the history of Australia’s National Plan. The response to the uncontrolled release of crude oil from the Montara Wellhead platform was the greatest challenge faced since the National Plan was established in 1973.

The 2011-12 financial year was another busy period for the National Plan, with two significant pollution incidents, in Christmas Island and New Zealand, as well as the completion of the National Plan/National Maritime Emergency Response Arrangements review.

The National Plan has had a relatively quiet year in terms of spill response, but a rather busy year in terms of maritime incidents. The National Plan has been called upon to respond to 88 minor spill incidents.

The AMSA Board Audit and Risk Committee was established as a sub-committee of the board of AMSA to assist the board discharge its responsibilities.

The National Plan remained active during 2000–2001. Although there were no major spills, the National Plan responded to seven incidents.

No major spills of oil or other substances occurred in Australian waters during the year.

The National Plan is operating in a low incident environment both within Australia and also worldwide. Australia’s low incident environment can be largely attributed to the rigorous Port State Control inspections undertaken by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority ensuring that only quality ships arrive in Australia.

During the reporting period, there was one major ship-sourced marine pollution incident in Australian waters, which involved activation of National Plan personnel and resources – the Global Peace spill. The National Plan was also called upon to respond to 106 minor spill incidents.

During 2006-2007, there was one major shipping incident in Australian waters – the Pasha Bulker grounding off Newcastle, north of Sydney. The National Plan was also called upon to respond to 82 minor spill incidents.

During 2008-2009, there were two major shipping incidents in Australian waters – the grounding of the Atlantic Eagle at Maude Reef, off Albany, Western Australia and the Pacific Adventurer incident off south-east Queensland.