The Australian Naval Flag Administrator (ANFA) provides assurance that Defence is meeting its international flag state and domestic legislative obligations by exercising effective control over vessels operating in Defence’s jurisdiction.

The administration of naval flag provides a mechanism for Defence to:

• determine that a maritime vessel is a naval vessel
• confirm that naval vessels are on the Australian Naval Vessel Register or another register recognised by Defence
• confirm that a naval vessel displays the appropriate flag
• confirm that naval vessels are designed, constructed and maintained to appropriate Australian naval classification rules and are in naval class
• confirm that a naval vessel is authorised to operate in accordance with the appropriate regulations
• facilitate reviews and investigations which support continuous improvement of the Defence Seaworthiness Program.