Ports and Shipping Division Profile
The Ports and Shipping Division (formerly the Shipping, Security and Environment Division) focuses on two result areas which NSW Maritime is required to achieve on behalf of the Government:
- Ports to support a growing economy; and
- Safe and sustainable waterways.
Details on the core functions of the Division are set out below.
- Management of the regional ports of Eden and Yamba, including the provision of pilotage services, harbour master functions and port security; and the ongoing investment in infrastructure.
- Administration and auditing of the three NSW Port Corporations’ compliance with their Port Safety Operating Licences, which set benchmarks for the safe operation of ports.
- Development of advice on shipping and safety matters at NSW ports. Work in this area includes a review of marine pilotage standards and facilitation of improvements to the management of port anchorages.
- Coordination of maritime security arrangements across NSW including security arrangements for passenger vessels and maritime precincts owned by NSW Maritime.
- Development of advice to the Government on a range of matters associated with ports and shipping in NSW. This includes advice on projects being undertaken by the three NSW Port Corporations, port pricing and various State and national reviews and inquiries.
- Oversight of the implementation of the NSW Ports Growth Plan and other strategic NSW Government port policy initiatives such as the Government’s response to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) Review of the interface between land transport industries and the stevedores at Port Botany.
- Coordination of NSW Maritime’s input into national forums under the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the Australian Transport Council (ATC), including the Australian Maritime Group and the National Marine Safety Committee.
- Facilitation of stakeholder forums including the quarterly NSW Maritime and Port Corporations’ Chief Executives meetings and the Minister for Ports and Waterways’ Port Botany Logistics Taskforce.
- Input into reviewing NSW legislation as it relates to ports and shipping matters.
- Management of the NSW oil and chemical spill response arrangements to ensure preparedness and protection of the marine environment as part of the National Plan arrangements. This includes ongoing maintenance of the NSW State Waters Oil and Chemical Spill Contingency Plan and delivery of Marine Incident Responder training courses for NSW Maritime personnel and other agencies involved in marine pollution response.
- Oversight of NSW Maritime’s responsibility as a combat agency for marine pollution incidents on the NSW North and South Coasts, including the regional Ports of Eden and Yamba and Lord Howe Island.
- Development of advice and policy on marine environmental matters which relate to ports and shipping in NSW. This includes advice on oil spill prosecutions; domestic ballast water management for the prevention of marine pest incursions and the implementation of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78).
- Representation on relevant national forums such as the National Plan Management Committee and its Environment Working Group.
- Participation in State Emergency Management arrangements.
- Investigations into the causes and circumstances of maritime incidents such as those involving recreational and commercial vessels, ports and ships. The outcome of an investigation may include the publication of safety recommendations or enforcement measures such as the issue of a penalty infringement notice (PIN) or court action.
- Monitoring the implementation of safety recommendations, including those made in relation to marine incidents by independent transport investigators such as the Office of Transport Safety Investigations and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
- Investigations into breaches of legislation such as the failure to comply with licensing or registration or illegal environmental activities.
