Certification Officer

About Australian Maritime Safety Authority

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is dedicated to protecting lives, ensuring safe maritime operations, and preserving the marine environment across Australia. As the nation’s responsible agency, AMSA oversees maritime safety, marine environment protection, and maritime and aviation search and rescue. Its functions include regulating vessel safety and seafarer qualifications, providing navigational infrastructure, and coordinating national search and rescue efforts nationwide. AMSA employs around 500 people and operates within a complex regulatory framework to deliver impactful, meaningful careers throughout Australia.

Role Overview

As a Certification Officer based in Canberra or Coffs Harbour, you will contribute to the safe operation of Australia’s domestic commercial vessel fleet by evaluating applications for vessel and operational permissions under national maritime laws. Reporting to the Senior Officer Certification, you will work within a proactive team committed to delivering prompt, consistent, and customer-oriented certification services. This role involves interpreting legislative requirements, thoroughly reviewing technical documentation, and providing informative advice to both industry participants and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and process applications for vessel and operation permits to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to legislative criteria.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders by offering advice, addressing inquiries, and facilitating the application process.
• Use delegated authority to determine decisions on low to medium complexity applications efficiently.
• Review technical documents, track application progress, and assist with reporting and initiatives for continuous process enhancement.
• Support the Certification team through sharing knowledge, coordinating administration tasks, and maintaining precise records.

Candidate Profile

• Experience in regulatory, compliance, certification, or licensing environments, with demonstrated ability to interpret legislation and regulatory policies to evaluate applications and make informed decisions.
• Strong skill in conveying technical or regulatory information clearly and professionally to customers and stakeholders, ideally within the maritime sector.
• Excellent organisational capabilities to handle a high volume of work, prioritize duties, and maintain quality outputs within expected standards.
• Developed analytical and problem-solving aptitude, enabling sound judgement in decision-making within delegated authority.
• Familiarity with customer relationship management or licensing systems and proficient use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Behaviours in line with AMSA’s values fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace.

Employment Terms

• Fixed remuneration between $90,879 and $105,355 annually, with an additional 15.4% employer superannuation contribution.
• Generous leave benefits including 20 days annual leave plus a paid Christmas shutdown.
• Paid parental leave: 18 weeks for primary and 11 weeks for secondary carers, increasing to 14 weeks for secondary carers from March 2026.
• Flexible work arrangements, including options to work from home.
• Additional benefits such as health reimbursements, flu vaccination, Employee Assistance Program, and opportunities for professional development including paid training and memberships.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume (maximum of 3 pages) and a cover letter (up to 600 words) detailing their suitability based on the key responsibilities and competencies necessary for the role. The application deadline is 29th July 2026, 11:55pm AEST.

Contact

For further information about the position, contact Rebecca Keen at 02 6279 5856 or [email protected]. For recruitment process inquiries, email [email protected].

Additional Information

AMSA employees are engaged under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990, with remuneration and employment terms unique to AMSA. AMSA fosters a workplace culture that values safety, respect, inclusivity, collaboration, and empowerment.