Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responsible, on behalf of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, for the regulation and safety oversight of Australia's shipping fleet and management of Australia's international maritime obligations. AMSA is funded largely through levies on the shipping industry.

Marine safety activities by AMSA:
# the provision, operation and maintenance of a network of marine aids to navigation, for example, lighthouses;
# ensuring the seaworthiness and safe operation of Australian and foreign vessels in Australian waters;
# administering the certification of seafarers;
# the provision of a maritime distress and safety communications network; and
# the operation of Australia's Rescue Coordination Centre and coordination of search and rescue operations for civilian aircraft and vessels in distress.

AMSA aims to protect the marine environment by:
# administering programs to prevent and respond to the threat of ship-sourced marine pollution; and
# managing Australia's National Plan to combat pollution of the sea by oil and other noxious and hazardous substances.

External links

* [http://www.amsa.gov.au/ Australian Maritime Safety Authority website]