Various Government agencies, including Defence, perform flag administration functions. These functions include ensuring flagged vessels operating in Australian waters meet international obligations with respect to maritime enforcement, safety, environmental protection and labour conditions.
The Defence Seaworthiness Authority (DSwA) is the Flag Authority for Defence, and the Defence Seaworthiness Regulator (DSwR) manages the register of all vessels within the Defence jurisdiction. This includes vessels owned and operated by Defence, and those used for a Defence purpose, or those used in support of a Defence purpose.
Defence Vessel Register (PDF, 106.97 KB)
Vessels regularly transfer between the civilian and military jurisdiction, as required to meet Defence outcomes. Defence has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to facilitate these transfers.
Defence - Australian Maritime Safety Authority MOU (PDF, 711.98 KB)