Relationship with other agencies

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the Commonwealth statutory authority responsible for:

• Promoting maritime safety and protection of the marine environment.
• Preventing and combating ship-sourced pollution in the marine environment.
• Providing infrastructure to support safety of navigation in Australian waters.
• Providing a national search and rescue service to the maritime and aviation sectors.

AMSA are responsible for regulating commercial vessels in Australia.

The WA Maritime Training Centre - Fremantle, part of the South Metropolitan TAFE WA, is situated in the heart of Western Australia's major port.

It provides training in various maritime disciplines, including:

• Marine operations.
• Marine engineering.
• Certification courses.
• Aquaculture.
• Marine studies.
• Commercial fishing.
• Marine tourism.
• Seafood processing.

The Department of Commerce promotes economic activity in Western Australia, including maritime commerce. It also regulates safety, consumer protection and other aspects of State commerce.

Industry, Science and Innovation Division

The Australian Marine Complex is a world-class Centre of Excellence for the marine, defence and resource industries. It was developed by the Department of Commerce's Industry, Science and Innovation Division to create enhanced opportunities for development in those sectors.

WorkSafe Division

WorkSafe is responsible for administering the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (WA) to protect the safety and health of persons in the workplace. Its role encompasses all industries, including the maritime sector.

The Department of Environment Regulation ensures responsible development through sustainable use of resources, such as coastlines and waterways. It has overall responsibility for the state's environment.

Pollution Response Unit

The Department of Environment Regulation's Pollution Response Unit provides 24/7 pollution response, on-scene hazardous materials assessment, pollution prevention strategies, training and advice to various government agencies.

Works approval and licences

Under the Environment Protection Act 1986 (WA), activities with a significant pollution potential are required to apply for works approval (for construction) or a licence (for operations) from the Department of Environment Regulation.

This includes activities at certain coastal facilities, such as:

• Commercial shipyards (boat building and maintenance).
• Premises where organic compounds are used or removed from vessels.
• Fish or prawn farms in marine, estuarine or freshwater environments - including enclosures where supplementary feeding occurs.

Dredging projects

Before commencing dredging projects, please contact the Department of Environment Regulation to seek advice on environmental constraints and required management procedures.

If a dredging project is likely to have a significant impact on the environment, please contact the Environmental Protection Authority.

The Department of Fisheries is responsible for the conservation, development and management of Western Australia's fish and aquatic resources. They issues licenses for commercial and recreational fishing activities and provide 4 key services:

• Fisheries management.
• Compliance and education.
• Research and monitoring.
• Marine safety services.

Fisheries also assist DoT in monitoring compliance with the Western Australian Marine Act 1982.

Resources Safety Division

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety administers various Acts of Parliament relating to safe handling of hazardous materials, and promotes best practice among companies and workers. This includes many port and marine activities.

ApprentiCentre

The Department of Training and Workforce Development's ApprentiCentre manages the apprenticeship and traineeship system in Western Australia, including maritime and related fields.

The Environment Protection Authority is an independent authority responsible for protecting the State's environment, including our coastlines and waterways.

FuelWatch, a part of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, is the only service in Australia which gives motorists the opportunity to access tomorrow's fuel prices today.

It is legislatively empowered to provide price transparency and knowledge of fuel prices in both the wholesale and retail industry sectors.

Fuel price information is freely available via the FuelWatch web page, personalised email service and media reports; and by using our phone service for the price of a local phone call, wherever you are in WA.
 

The Swan River Trust works with State Government, local government and the community to conserve the environment and enhance public enjoyment around the Swan and Canning river system.

The Swan River Trust also assist DoT in monitoring compliance with the Western Australian Marine Act 1982.

The WA Water Police is comprised of; Boating Operations, Diving Operations, and Search and Rescue.

Water Police assist DoT in monitoring compliance with the Western Australian Marine Act 1982 and the agencies work together in relation to marine incident investigations.

Find out more about the role of the Water Police.

The Western Australian Planning Commission develops plans to guide land use and management of the State's resources, including coastal areas.