The Australian Naval Seaworthiness Authority (ANSA) regulates the Defence maritime community to assure the Defence Seaworthiness Authority that naval vessels are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and operated safely.

Authorisation is generally provided through an Australian Naval Vessel Operator Certificate (ANVOC), issued to an accountable officer, after they have demonstrated their vessel has attained Australian naval classification and their vessels and organisation are compliant with the Australian naval seaworthiness regulations.

The regulations assure the safety of naval vessels, naval vessel operators and naval services, facilities and waters, with particular emphasis on preventing naval accidents and incidents, and protecting the environment.