China – Australia Maritime Safety Exchange Program

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) welcomes 6 delegates from the China Maritime Safety Administration in a 12-week maritime safety exchange program.

The group had a very busy first week in Canberra, where they were able to meet with AMSA's Executive and most of the divisions at AMSA’s head office where they were briefed by AMSA's CEO Mr Graham Peachey on upcoming changes to Australian maritime legislation and future priority issues for AMSA. Mr Peachey and the delegates also discussed the mutual benefits of maintaining a close relationship for the two agencies.

During the week, they learned about Australia’s systems of vessel tracking and pilotage, ship safety, ship inspection and registration and manning qualifications. They were also briefed on AMSA’s work relating to the International Maritime Organization, the Maritime Labour Convention, the Polar Code, machinery of government issues and technical cooperation.

Later on, the six delegates were joined by some Marine Standards team members for a day visit to Googong Foreshores where the delegates toured the London Bridge Homestead, enjoyed an Aussie barbeque lunch and saw several kangaroos and a wombat.

This week the delegates will be spending two days with the Rescue Coordination Centre, where they will learn about Australian search and rescue resources, beacon registration, response scenarios and other daily activities. They will spend the rest of the week with the Department of Infrastructure and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.