Maritime Safety Queensland is a branch of the Department of Transport and Main Roads within the Policy, Planning and Investment Division. Our role is to protect Queensland's waterways and the people who use them—providing safer, cleaner seas.
Maritime Safety Queensland Is Responsible For
- improving maritime safety for shipping and recreational craft through regulation and education.
- minimising vessel-sourced waste and responding to marine pollution.
- providing essential maritime services such as aids to navigation and vessel traffic services.
- encouraging and supporting innovation in the maritime industry.
MSQ is the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Authority for Queensland and provides VTS to:
- enhance navigational safety by interacting with shipping to provide improved information on potential traffic conflicts, and other navigational safety information.
- minimise the risk of a maritime accident and consequential ship-sourced pollution and damage to the marine environment.
- support trade through Queensland ports by scheduling safe ship movements.
- maintain an ability to respond quickly in the event of any safety or pollution incident.
In the role of VTSO, you will be a key member of a team which provides a monitoring and information service to vessels in the Cairns Region.
You will also deliver VTS to ensure the safe, effective and compliant movement of vessels and the protection of the environment in the Cairns Region.
The role maintains effective relationships with maritime industry representatives and relevant industry to ensure that they are informed on operational and policy issues.
The role affords the individual the responsibility of delegated certain powers as required by the Regional Harbour Master to ensure the safe and efficient management of shipping as detailed in the relevant manuals and operating procedures.
Accountabilities Include
- Delivery of the prescribed VTS for the designated areas in accordance with regulations, procedures, instructions and delegations.
- Delivery of communications, coordination and alerting service, including in response to marine incidents, related emergencies and natural disasters for the designated areas in accordance with regulations, procedures, instructions and delegations.
- Perform first contact functions as needed by Port Emergency Procedures and the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances.
- Provision of timely information, advice and direction to the maritime industry on maritime matters, as authorised by the Regional Harbour Master and/or Manager (Vessel Traffic Services). Gathering, recording, retrieving and distributing high standard data relevant to vessel traffic management using information systems and software tools provided in accordance with agency policy, procedures and practices.
- Operate and contribute to the review of all systems and equipment necessary for the safe and efficient movement of shipping.
- Conduct ship scheduling functions for the regions ports by implementing port procedures and applying ship scheduling guidelines to achieve safe and efficient movement of shipping.
- Contribute to the continual improvement of safe management practices for vessel traffic in Queensland waters.
- Performing administrative duties and tasks requested by the Manager (Vessel Traffic Services) in addition to regular duties as required for the functioning of the VTS Centre.
- Actively participate in personal performance planning and appraisal through accepting and providing positive and constructive feedback. Undertake training and development opportunities that are identified as necessary to achieve work unit goals, and gain awareness of corporate responsibilities through the appropriate induction processes and participation in other relevant programs.
- Contribute to a safe and healthy workplace by complying with Workplace Health and Safety legislation, codes of practice, standards and departmental policy and procedures and participating in risk management and corrective action programs.
- Provide leadership, especially in an emergency or highly stressful situations.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/ /25
Closing Date: Friday, 28 November 2025
Occupational group: Fishery & Marine
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