This updated MoU strengthens the partnership between AMSA and the FWO, enabling a coordinated approach to addressing wage theft and ensuring better protections for seafarers.

The MoU reflects our collaboration with the FWO as part of the Maritime Strategic Fleet Program, which focuses on increasing compliance with the Seagoing Industry Award 2020 – Schedule A. This includes:

• conducting joint ship visits to gather evidence and monitor compliance
• developing training materials to support ongoing compliance activities
• establishing direct collaboration and communication between AMSA and FWO regional offices.

The MoU was signed on 13 December 2024 and underpins monthly progress meetings to monitor the program's implementation and effectiveness.

This is another great example of cross-agency cooperation to improve outcomes for workers in the maritime industry.

The MOU sets out the arrangements for how we work with WHS regulators in each state and territory. This includes around: 

• scope of relevant maritime legislation and WHS legislation  
• regulator’s roles and responsibilities, and shared jurisdictional responsibilities 
• working together to enhance safety outcomes in the maritime industry including through shared education, compliance and other regulatory activities.     

This joint MOU between AMSA and the WHS regulators further strengthens the relationship between maritime and WHS jurisdictions. It supports worker safety at sea. 

The MOU commenced on 14 February 2024. It replaces previous individual MOUs in place with state and territory WHS regulators since 2019. 

This is another great example of cross-government cooperation for the benefit of workers at sea. 

Document

Memorandum of understanding with state and territory WHS regulators PDF644.41 KB

Learn more about the National Maritime WHS Regulators Forum. 

We signed two agreements with the Papua New Guinea National Maritime Safety Authority at the Maritime Labour Convention Regional Dialogue in Cairns on 23 May 2011.

The first agreement supports teamwork on marine pollution preparedness and response. In the event of a marine pollution incident, each maritime authority can request assistance from the other and take all reasonable efforts to provide vessel and aerial assets, equipment, materials and personnel to respond to a pollution incident. Each authority will consult on a range of matters related to pollution of the marine environment.

The second agreement concerns cooperation between Australia and Papua New Guinea on improved marine safety. This agreement adds to a broader agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea on cooperation in the transport sector which was signed on 5 November 2010. Activities under the annex include a search and rescue needs and gap analysis; joint casualty management and oil spill exercise; ship survey and inspection; navigational needs analyses; and governance and regulatory measures to ensure improved compliance with newly developed legislation and standards.

The agreements were signed by our former Chief Executive Officer,Graham Peachey, and Captain Nurur Rahman, Executive Manager Maritime Operations Branch, PNG National Maritime Safety Authority.

Graham Peachey and Captain Nurur Rahman.

Graham Peachey and Captain Nurur Rahman signing Australia-Papua New Guinea maritime cooperation agreements

Our MOU with the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) put a structure around our relationship. We will work with the FWO to meet the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.

The MOU establishes a system of shared responsibilities including maritime inspections and compliance actions as required by the convention.

Our MOU with the IMO focuses on technical cooperation. The MOU shows our commitment to increase cooperation with the IMO on activities that meet specific needs in our region and the Asia Pacific. Under the arrangements we will provide experts, host regional workshops and training courses and continue to explore opportunities for partnerships with the IMO and other regional member states.

The transfer of knowledge, skills and capabilities is a priority for all IMO member states in our region. We worked with the the Asia Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies forum to develop a technical capacity building strategy at their meeting in Vietnam in 2012.

Our former Chief Executive Officer, Mr Graham Peachey and Director of the IMO's Technical Cooperation Division, Mr Jianxin Zhu, signed the agreement during the 108th session of the IMO Council meeting in London.

The MOU between AMSA and the Department of Defence will strengthen the relationship between military and civilian maritime jurisdictions to support safety at sea and delivery of naval capability.

This MOU will allow for a rapid transfer of vessels from Australia’s civilian regulation authority (known as Flag administration) to operate under a Defence Flag administration to support of Australia’s interests when needed.

This is a great example of cross-government cooperation for the benefit of Australia.

Further information

Read our media release Navy and AMSA join to enhance maritime operations.

Download a copy of the Memorandum of understanding with the Department of Defence PDF715.15 KB.

L-R: Head of Navy Engineering, Rear Admiral Kath Richards, AM, CSC, RAN, Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AM, RAN, Chief Executive Officer AMSA Mr Mick Kinley and Executive Director Operations AMSA Mr Michael Drake at the signing of the MOU

We agreed to a partnership with China MSA to share information in the areas of training, port state control, international issues and search and rescue. We have strong ties in the Asia Pacific region and we actively engage with regional agencies. China is an important partner in the region and we have a strong relationship with the China MSA. In 2008, 25 China MSA search and rescue training candidates visited our Canberra office under the MOU. In June 2009, China MSA was an active participant when we hosted the 10th meeting of the Asia Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies.

Our former Chief Executive Officer, Graham Peachey, signed the MOU in November 2008 with Captain Liu, Head of China MSA, and also had a short meeting with the Vice Minister for Communications (the Department which includes China MSA).

Our MOU with the Australian Maritime College describes several areas of cooperation between our organisations. These include staff exchanges, visiting lectures and seminars, work experience placements and prize sponsorship opportunities. We will also work together on research projects and international partnerships.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority's previous Chief Executive Officer, Graham Peachey shaking hands with the Australian Maritime College CEO

Our MOU with Sonic HealthPlus (SHP) helps us provide medical examination of seafarers.

Seafarers can only get a Certificate of medical fitness through SHP who arrange an appointment with a Medical Inspector of Seafarers (MIS).

Under the MOU, SHP offers the following services to AMSA:

• Recommendation and administration of the appointment of MIS.
• Delivery of training, guidance and expert advice to MIS regarding the occupational demands of the marine working environment.
• Coordination, provision and administration of medical assessment of seafarers and coastal pilots by appointed MIS.
• Provision of related documentation and reports to us.