Marine Environment Protection

The Department is committed to the development of a superior regulatory regime to enhance the safety of shipping and the protection of the marine environment from the adverse effects of shipping.

The Department undertakes a range of tasks and functions, with the key activities being proactively promoting Australia's interests at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) committees and the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund meetings which consider marine environment protection and liability and compensation issues; actively developing legislation to implement new and amended Conventions and other changes agreed by government; oversight of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and corporate governance, and other relevant maritime safety and environment issues arising from government activities.

• Introduced Marine Pest Incursion Management

  Overview of the National System and the work of the National Introduced Marine Pests Coordination Group (NIMPCG).

• Ballast Water Management

  Information on the National System and International Convention.

• Prevention of Pollution from Ships

  Information on the International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee and the International Convention for the prevention of pollution from ships (MARPOL).

• Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships

  Information on the International Convention and domestic legislation to prohibit the use of harmful organotins in anti-fouling paints used on ships.

• The National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances

  Information on the integrated arrangement between the Federal, State and Northern Territory Governments and industry for effective response to marine pollution incidents.