On 3 September 2026, the Australian Naval Seaworthiness Authority (previously known as the Office of the Defence Seaworthiness Regulator) hosted its annual Seaworthiness Conference.

Theme: Focused seaworthiness for a focused force: transitioning to the Defence Seaworthiness Program.

Video presentations

Opening Remarks from the Defence Seaworthiness Authority

Vice Admiral Matt Buckley AM CSC RAN

Address from the Australian Naval Flag Administrator

Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin AM CSC RAN

Update on the Defence Seaworthiness Program (DSwP) and implementation over the next 12 months

Commodore Sands Skinner RAN
Director General Seaworthiness

Classification pathways and update on progress of Australian Naval Classification Framework and Rules

Mr Colin Dagg CSC, Director General Seaworthiness

Update on progress of LAND 8710, with a particular focus on classification of the vessels

Brigadier James Davis AM CSC
Director General G8 (Systems and Integration)

Update on establishing Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator and key differences between the regulatory systems (DSwP, naval nuclear power and civilian)

Mr Michael Drake, Director General Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator

Panel session on the experience of the regulated community and progress to implementing the DSwP

Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin AM CSC RAN, Head Navy Engineering/ANFA
Major General Kurt Brown CSC, Head Land Capability
Rear Admiral Anita Williams CSC CSM RAN, Commander Australian Fleet

Update on the development and realisation of the future fleet, how OSIs will be managed with the transition to VCDF Group and how vessels will be introduced through the Defence Delivery Agency

Rear Admiral Andrew Quinn RAN
Head Navy Capability

Closing Remarks from the Australian Naval Flag Administrator

Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin AM CSC RAN

Resources

2026 Seaworthiness Conference Program (PDF, 304.11 KB)

Details

Type

Event

Date

3 Sep 2026

Location

Blended
Adams Auditorium
Australian Defence Force Academy
Building 111
Gallipoli Road, Campbell, ACT 2612

Contacts