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Commanding Officer (Thaiyak/Bay class)

Job Req ID

ABF - 131754

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA 

 

Classification

APS Level 6 - $90,199.00 and $103,770.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Flexible work

Onsite 

 

Contact Officer

Glenn WELLS - email: GLENN.WELLS@ABF.GOV.AU 

 

Applications close on 26/05/2024 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity:

This process is being used to fill up to 3 immediate vacancies. A merit pool may be established and used to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months. 

 

About our team:

National Operations | National Operations | Marine Deployments & Support | Maritime Deployments & Support

 

About the Australian Border Force:

The Australian Border Force (ABF) is an operationally independent body under the Home Affairs Portfolio. The ABF operates in a rapidly evolving global environment. We must perform to the highest standards while remaining agile to anticipate and respond to emerging threats, and capitalise on opportunities to partner with domestic and international border, customs, immigration, intelligence and law enforcement agencies. To deliver our mission in the face of advancing technology and new threats, it is not enough to be reactive; we must be professional, disciplined and collaborative.

 

Branch Overview:

Marine Deployments and Support Branch deploys sea-going marine Border Force Officers to Australian Border Force Cutters (ABFC) and Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Ocean Protector where they undertake a range of border enforcement activities throughout the Australian maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This includes offshore maritime patrols and response, surveillance and deterrence activities that support civil maritime security operations and respond to identified Maritime Security Threats (MSTs) including:

  • Illegal Maritime Arrivals (IMAs)

  • Maritime Terrorism

  • Piracy, Robbery and Violence at Sea

  • Prohibited Imports and Exports

  • Exploitation of Natural Resources

  • Illegal activity in Protected Areas

  • Marine Pollution

  • Compromise to Bio-security.

ABFC crew perform varied duties, which include boarding operations, bridge and engine room watch keeping, deck and engine room tasks and maintenance, meal preparation and vessel cleaning tasks. Officers maintain a capability to allow for re deployment within the fleet or general duties within ABF.

 

Position Summary:

The Commanding Officer (CO) (Thaiyak/Bay class) is required to manage:

  • The vessel, crew, and passengers/transportees

  • The navigational requirements of the vessel, including navigational watch officers, and all of the charts and publications, as required for the safe navigation of the vessel. This includes overseeing the development and execution of passage plans

  • In-port operations

  • The logistical requirements of the vessel, which involves developing and maintaining relationships with key external clients

  • Vessel operations during in service support/maintenance periods and crew handover periods, which includes developing and adhering to timelines, and negotiating with key stakeholders in order to achieve outcomes.

The CO has the overriding authority to direct the tactical affairs of the vessel and to take whatever action is necessary to ensure the safety of the vessel, the safety of the officers and other personnel on-board the vessel, and for protection of the environment through the implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS). The CO is responsible for leading, instructing, motivating and supervising subordinate officers in the performance of their tasks.

 

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

 

Our ideal candidate:

Marine Deployments and Support is seeking applications from professionals who can respond positively to a challenging and high-pressure environment. The programme of the Branch is high profile, with added sensitivity due to the armed nature of the workforce, demanding a high level of training and qualifications as well as liaison with other agencies and ABF Commands.

 

The work you will undertake entails spending substantial time away from home for extended periods usually up to 31 days but possibly up to 36 days, on a Fly In Fly Out roster.

 

The Commanding Officer must also manage and be responsive to a range of requirements, including: 

  • Be able to perform duties in the maritime environment including lengthy deployments on unstable platforms in uncertain and variable weather and sea conditions

  • Compatible with sharing facilities, when living within the close constraints of a vessel for an extended period of time

  • Be able to deploy for at least 31 days at a time with no opportunity to return to port or home

  • Demonstrate flexibility and initiative in response to allocated work, including assisting in the completion of work outside of assigned responsibilities.

 

Deployment to vessels reflects the operational priorities of the ABF and rostering as determined by the relevant policies and procedures. Officers are expected to be flexible and agile in responding to rostering and deployment by the ABF.

 

Depending on operational requirements and the circumstances of candidates, the Marine Unit permits domiciling in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin.

 

Attributes:

  • Flexible, resourceful and solves problems

  • Selfless leadership values

  • Self-control in critical situations

  • Effective critical thinking and decision making

  • Strategic thinking

  • Managerial and planning/project management skills

  • Clear concise communicator

  • Continuous quality improvement

  • Self-motivated, innovative and able to implement change

  • Culturally aware, particularly with regards to dealing with stakeholders in remote and inshore maritime environments

  • Physical fitness.

 

Knowledge:

Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant legislation, including:

  • Compliance with Vessel Safety Management Systems (SMS)

  • Awareness of other cultures and cultural practice, including indigenous communities and neighbouring countries

  • Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant legislation, including:

  • Maritime Powers Act 2013

  • Privacy Act 1988

  • Customs Act 1901

  • Australian Border Force Act 2015

  • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, in particular International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

  • Quarantine Act 1908

  • Navigation Act 2012

  • Migration Act 1958

  • AMSA Marine Orders and Marine Notices

  • International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),

  • Certification and Watch keepers (STCW), Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC), Load Line, International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and Search and RescueSAR)

  • Understand and apply the conditions as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27

  • Ability to interpret and apply relevant Departmental policies, standard operating procedures and instructions.

Duties and responsibilities:

The CO has overall command of the vessel and managing a team of 16 (Thaiyak) or 12 (Bay class) officers. This involves:

  • Enforce all applicable Australian laws through powers conferred by relevant Commonwealth Legislation

  • Conduct independent and joint operations in all maritime areas as directed by Operational Command. This includes all areas within the AEEZ including remote Territories.  It may also include operations outside of Australia in conjunction with or in support of other nations

  • Lead and manage a crew of up to 16 (Thaiyak) or 12 (Bay class), which includes a strong focus on training and development of individual officers and the crew as a whole. The management of the crew will not be limited to just those days whilst on patrol but encompass the entire period of their assignment

  • Perform the duties of On Scene Commander and Operation Commander in charge of multiple assets utilising Operation Command principles. This includes the preparation of operation orders, the conduct of formal situational appreciations and the completion of situational and other required reports

  • Ensure the safe navigation of the vessel

  • Ensure the vessel is maintained in accordance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements. This includes oversight of the Engineering Officer in the completion of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance always with a view to maintaining a high state of operability outside of scheduled maintenance periods

  • Implementation of the SMS on-board, including reviewing and reporting any deficiencies

  • Oversee the completion of all administrative duties required for the efficient and safe operation of the ship including the creating of complete and accurate records in accordance with Departmental Policy

  • Issuing appropriate orders and instructions in a clear and simple manner 

  • Ensuring the configuration of the vessel and its capability is maintained as designed

  • Developing and maintaining key external stakeholder engagement with Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), Maritime Border Command (MBC), The Dept Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), TOLL, Port Operators (Harbour Masters), Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) Administrators, AUSTAL

  • Undertaking Search and Rescue (SAR) activities in conjunction with external agencies. This may include undertaking the role of On Scene SAR coordinator when required

  • Enforcing relevant legislation administered by ABF officers

  • Promoting the capabilities of ABF Cutters, and the capabilities/limitations of ABF Cutters and their crews to external stakeholders and clients

  • Assisting in career development and personal administration of subordinate officers

  • Ensuring the provision of a safe and fair workplace as required under Equity and Diversity and Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies

  • Implementing and directing required emergency drills

  • Carrying out the role of on-board medical officer which includes maintaining and dispensing the vessels medical outfit

  • Managing and controlling the embarked Personal Defence Equipment (PDE) and acting as the ABF Authorised Arms Issuing Officer (AAIO), the administrative responsibility for this task is delegated to a responsible qualified Marine Tactical Officer

  • Preparing the cutter and crew for operational compliance assessments by Marine Operational Capability officers and implementing recommendations to resolve any identified issues

  • Mentoring and training crew and facilitating attendance to formal shore side training programs

  • Ensuring all crew are aware of emerging ABF issues and information including providing timely access to Marine Unit Notice (MUN), Work Instructions (WI), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Instructions & Guidelines (I&Gs) and policies

  • Being available to be rostered to other cutters within the ABF fleet

  • Ensure that security protocols are maintained with respect to the vessel’s information and IT equipment.

 

Mandatory Qualifications:

  • Master <45m Near Coastal certificate of competency (CoC) or higher qualification

  • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) General Operators Certificate Course (AMSA approved), meeting the requirements of STCW Reg IV/2 and Code Section A-IV/2, Table A-IV/2;

  • Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) General Operator (AMSA approved), meeting the requirements of STCW Reg II/1 & II/2 and Code Sections A-II/1 & A-II/2, Tables A-II/1 & A-II/2;

  • The following First Aid Courses: HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.

Mandatory Role Requirements:

Must be able to obtain and maintain the following:

  • The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended, (STCW) Certificate of Competency issued by AMSA in the following subjects:

    • Certificate of Safety Training (COST);

    • STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Training as approved by AMSA

    • STCW Marine Resource Management Training as approved by AMSA

    • STCW Provide Medical First Aid on-board a Vessel Training as approved by AMSA

    • STCW Certificate of Proficiency of Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats as approved by AMSA.

  • AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness for sea duty in accordance with Marine Orders Part 76 (Health Medical Fitness) and adhering to the guidelines for Medical Inspectors of Seamen as set out by AMSA

  • Ability to undertake and successfully complete Australian Border Force (ABF) Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA); which includes the Basic Fitness Assessment (BFA) + swim as well as pass a non UoF psychometric assessment  

  • Ability to achieve and maintain at least one of the following Bay Class Commanding Officers Endorsement and/or Thaiyak Commanding Officers Endorsement

  • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) General Operators Certificate Course (AMSA approved), meeting the requirements of STCW Reg IV/2 and Code Section A-IV/2, Table A-IV/2;

  • Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) General Operator (AMSA approved), meeting the requirements of STCW Reg II/1 & II/2 and Code Sections A-II/1 & A-II/2, Tables A-II/1 & A-II/2;

  • The following First Aid Courses: HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.

  • Successfully complete Marine Induction Training

  • Obtain and maintain a security clearance of Negative Vetting Level 1 and Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC)

  • Swear an oath or make an affirmation

  • Actively participate in career management (postings and deployments) 

  • Be uniformed

  • Officers are subject to employment conditions as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27

  • Undertake training in Rules of Engagement, and Operational Command as required

  • Undertake and pass cutter specific training as required

  • Ability to interpret and apply relevant Departmental policies, standard operating procedures and instructions

  • Undertake ceremonial duties – ABF Officer Swearing In ceremonies

  • Knowledge and implementation of Critical Incident management procedures

  • Prepared to deploy on-board a vessel for up to 36 days

  • COVID-19 vaccinations (It is a mandatory condition of your employment that, you have been fully vaccinated, and attain full vaccination (including one COVID-19 booster dose to maintain an 'up-to-date' status)

  •  Working With Children Card (WWCC).

These positions are in child-related employment, requiring compliance with provisions under the following legislation:

  • Children's Protection Act 1993 (SA); and

  • Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld); and

  • Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic); and

  • Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW); and

  • Working With Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (WA); and

  • Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 (NT); and

  • Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 (ACT)

 

The successful applicant must read and sign the Child Protection Mandatory Behaviors Declaration and undertake to comply with it; complete the Department’s Child Safeguarding eLearning; and hold a:

  • Working with Children Check in South Australia; or

  • Working with Children Check - Blue Card in Queensland; or

  • Working with Children Check in Victoria; or

  • Working with Children Check in New South Wales; or

  • Working with Children Check in Western Australia; or

  • Working with Children Check - Ochre Card in Northern Territory; or

  • Working with Vulnerable People Check in Australian Capital Territory. 

 

Additional Information:

These positions are seagoing positions and as such living space is limited with shared cabins and communal ablutions for crew. There may be limited internet access and phone connectivity for extended periods of time. The ABF Cutters operate in remote areas and there is limited opportunity to be transferred ashore during deployment.

 

Employment is subject to the ABF Postings Program Principles and is subject to postings consistent with that framework. Whilst employed as a sea-going Officer your conditions of service will be commensurate as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27

 

This is a designated ABF position. You will be a sworn officer subject to the ABF Postings Program Policy and the Uniform and Appearance Standards Procedural Instruction. Officers are subject to employment conditions as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.

 

Although every effort will be made to maintain a scheduled roster, occasionally due to operational requirements your roster patterns may vary in accordance with the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.

 

Benefits:

Conditions of service can be found here: Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (homeaffairs.gov.au)

 

How to apply:

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 26/05/2024 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST  – Late applications will not be accepted.

 

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

  • How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role

  • Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us

  • Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 131754 in the document footer.

 

Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

 

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

 

The successful candidate will be required obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance and an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).

 

Diversity and inclusion:

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

 

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

 

Technical assistance:

Internal applicants with technical enquiries can log a ticket through the Support Connect portal, send an email or call us

 

 

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

 

Notes:

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position.

 

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

 

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers.

 

Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.

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