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Navigation/Communication/Senior Deck Officers

Job Req ID

ABF - 129619

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA 

 

Classification

APS Level 5 - $77,642.00 and $83,632.00 plus 15.4% super

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Flexible work

Onsite 

 

Contact Officer

David Creaser - Ph: 08 7421 7526 

 

Applications close on 02/10/2023 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill up to 6 vacancies. A merit pool may be established and used to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months. 

 

About our team

Maritime & Detention | Maritime Border Command | | Marine Crew Rosters & Deployment | Maritime Deployments and Support

 

About the Home Affairs Portfolio

The Home Affairs portfolio brings together Australia's federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs and immigration and border-related functions and agencies, working together to keep Australia safe. Be part of something bigger: contribute to building a secure Australia that is prosperous, open and united. Join a connected team of professionals, where you can be your authentic self; grow your career while making time for all parts of your life.

 

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 and vessel cleaning tasks. Officers maintain a capability to allow for re deployment within the fleet or general duties within ABF.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

Attributes 

  • Flexible, resourceful and solves problems
  • Selfless leadership values
  • Self-control in critical situations
  • Effective critical thinking and decision making
  • 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.

 

Position Summary

      Navigation/Communication officers (Cape Class/Thaiyak/Bay Class) are required to:

  • Take charge of a navigation watch
  • Supervise an in-port watch
  • Form part of the bridge team in the conduct of maritime law enforcement operations and emergency actions
  • Adhere to and implement the Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Participate fully as a senior manager on board including being involved in and conducting training, enforcing performance standards, motivating and rewarding staff and positively contributing to mission and outcomes.

 

      Additional requirements for Bay Class only:

  • Oversee and conduct boarding and searching of vessels, seizing prohibited goods, handling evidence, apprehending and questioning suspects, obtaining statements and coordinating documents for prosecution briefs. Oversee the processing and on board management of persons in custody embarked on ABFCs
  • Provide armed support for client personnel as required
  • Prepare and present mission briefings and plans to ensure the safe, efficient and effective execution of operations in accordance with all relevant laws/conventions/regulations/orders.

 

      Senior Deck Officers (Large Hull Vessel) are required to:

  • Assist in the operations of the deck department onboard the vessel
  • Perform specialist maritime duties that enable the safe and efficient operation of a vessel
  • Maintain deck equipment, cargo gear and rigging as well as vessel cleanliness
  • Implement the legislation and policy frameworks under which they operate (e.g. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
  • Adhere to and implement the SMS
  • Participate fully as a senior manager on board including being involved in and conducting training, enforcing performance standards, motivating and rewarding staff and positively contributing to mission and outcomes.

 

Specific Duties / Responsibilities

 

Navigation Officer (Cape Class/Thaiyak/Bay Class)

      The Navigation Officer will be required to:

  • Undertake the role of Officer of the Watch (OOW)
  • Act with the highest ethical and professional standards
  • Mentor less experienced officers
  • Demonstrate and apply sound knowledge of the relevant legislation, including the Marine Powers Act (MPA) and other prescribed legislation
  • Perform duties as required of the Navigation Officer as per the watch and station bill during emergencies, drills or operational activities
  • Perform Navigator responsibilities including preparation of passage plans, maintenance of navigation systems, charts and publications, conduct of daily checks and maintenance on navigation equipment
  • Familiarise all crew on the competent use of the navigation systems and bridge equipment
  • Participate in whole ship drills and mustering routines
  • As Deck Supervisor manage the cleanliness of the vessel superstructure and vessel decks
  • Assist the Commanding Officer (CO) as required during planning and execution of operational activities this includes providing guidance on SMS requirements on navigational standards
  • Assist with on-board marine duties including radio operation and surveillance activities
  • Supervise and perform general husbandry duties including food preparation and domestic hygiene duties
  • Ensure compliance with WHS, Equity and Diversity, APS Values and Code of Conduct Standards in the work place
  • Perform core ABF responsibilities as required by the CO
  • Proper record keeping in all navigation reports including the ship’s deck log
  • Act as line Manager and supervisor for the Marine Cook
  • Act as Boarding Officer (Bay Class only).

 

Communications Officer (Cape Class/Thaiyak/Bay Class)

      The Communications Officer will be required to:

  • Undertake the role of OOW
  • Perform duties as required of the Communications Officer as per the watch and station bill during emergencies, drills or operational activities
  • Complete daily checks and maintenance on communications equipment and administrative logs
  • Maintain control and accountability of all Classified materials held on board which includes all security containers
  • Communications Security (COMSEC) officer responsible for accounting for, holding and destruction of any keying material (KEYMAT) and inputting codes in to communications equipment
  • Act with the highest ethical and professional standards
  • Advise and guide less experienced officers
  • Responsible for the material condition and cleanliness of the Communications Equipment Room
  • Asset control for all communications, computer, and associated equipment
  • Maintain ship’s key registry including routine mustering and issuing
  • Assist the CO in the safe, secure and efficient operations of all communications and IT systems
  • Assist with on-board marine duties including radio operation and surveillance activities
  • Ensure compliance with WHS, Equity and Diversity, APS Values and Code of Conduct Standards in the work place
  • Participate in whole ship drills and mustering routines
  • Proper record keeping IAW Work Instruction SM1027 Vessel Recordkeeping
  • Perform core ABF responsibilities as required by the CO
  • Supervise and perform general husbandry duties including domestic hygiene duties
  • Act as Boarding Officer (Bay Class only).

 

Senior Deck Officer (Large Hull Vessel)

      The Senior Deck Officer will be required to:

  • Fulfil the role of the vessel's Work Health Safety Officer overseeing the implementation of all WHS requirements on board including periodic safety inspections
  • Conduct operational reviews and provide input into continuous improvement processes
  • Perform administrative duties to assist the Navigation Officer to support the administrative function of the vessel
  • Perform specialist maritime duties, including maintain deck equipment, cargo gear and rigging
  • As Deck Supervisor manage the cleanliness of the vessel superstructure and vessel decks
  • Perform administrative duties to assist the Navigation Officer to support the administrative function of the vessel
  • Supervise the handling of ropes and mooring lines, gangways and ladders when the ship is berthing and un-berthing
  • Participate in whole ship drills and mustering routines
  • Assist Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) in securing equipment as detailed by statutory requirements and ABF policy
  • Ensuring that the register of Materials Handling Equipment is updated so that cargo gear including cranes, wires, lifting gear are maintained and clearly marked as per Flag State requirements
  • Supervise and train MTOs allocated to assist in deck, crane, fire and lifesaving appliance maintenance or inspections
  • Ensure all record keeping meets Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), ABF and Class requirements
  • Maintaining the cleanliness of the vessel superstructure and vessel decks
  • Assist in the stowage of ship’s stores and lifesaving equipment
  • Mentor less experienced officers
  • Ensure Performance and Feedback process is completed for Border Force Officers
  • Supervise and demonstrate skills competent for all crane operations, including operating all cranes.

 

Knowledge

      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 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), MARPOL, International Convention on Standards of Training, 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 set out in Department of Home Affairs Workplace Determination 2019
  • Ability to interpret and apply relevant Departmental policies, standard operating procedures and instructions.

 

Mandatory Qualifications

  • 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
  • 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
  • Certificate of Safety Training (COST) STCW
  • Advanced Fire Fighting Training (STCW Reg VI/3 and Code Section A-VI/3, Table A-VI/3)
  • Marine or Bridge Resource Management Training meeting the requirements of STCW Reg VIII/2 and Code Section A-VIII/2, Part 3 and 4, paragraphs 8-51
  • Certificate of Proficiency of Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats meeting the requirements of STCW Reg VI/2 and Code Section A-VI/2, Table A-VI/2-1
  • Marine Radio Operators Certificate
  • The following First Aid Courses:
    • Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
    • Provide First Aid
    • Provide Advanced First Aid
    • Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy.

 

Navigation Officer/Communications Officer (Cape Class/Thaiyak)

  • A Certificate of Competency as a Master less than < 45 metres near coastal as issued in accordance with Part D of the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) (minimum), or
  • A Certificate of Competency as a Watchkeeper Deck; issued under Marine Order 70 and Marine Order 71; or higher qualification (preferred).

 

Navigation Officer/Communications Officer (Bay Class)

  • A Certificate of Competency as a Master less than < 24 metres near coastal as issued in accordance with Part D of the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (/NSCV) (minimum), or
  • A Certificate of Competency as a Watchkeeper Deck; issued under Marine Order 70 and Marine Order 71; or higher qualification (preferred).

 

Senior Deck Officer

  • A Certificate of Competency as a Watchkeeper Deck issued in accordance with Marine Orders 71, or higher qualification.

 

Highly Desirable

  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the civil maritime security domains and operating zones.

 

Mandatory Role Requirements

  • Certificate of Medical Fitness for sea duty in accordance with Marine Orders Part 9 (Health Medical Fitness) and adhering to the guidelines for Medical Inspectors of Seamen as set out by AMSA.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Baseline Security Clearance (SDO only) 
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) Security Clearance or Baseline (SDO only).
  • Undertake and pass psychometric testing.
  • Undertake and successfully complete ABF Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA); which includes the Basic Fitness Assessment (BFA) and the ABF Medical Assessment.
  • Undertake and successfully complete the Functional Fitness Assessment (Bay Class only).
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Use of Force permit (Bay Class only).
  • Undertake and successfully complete Marine Induction Training.
  • 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 Departments Determination 24(3).
  • Must be able to pass swim test.
  • Undertake and pass cutter specific training as required.
  • Prepared to deploy on board a vessel for up to 36 days.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an official passport;
  • Must read and sign the Child Protection Mandatory Behaviours Declaration and undertake to comply with it; complete the Department’s Child Safeguarding eLearning;
  • 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).

 

Other 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 ABFCs operate in remote areas and there is limited opportunity to be transferred ashore during deployment.

 

This is a designated ABF position. You will be a sworn officer subject to the ABF Career Management Posting Policy and the Uniform and Appearance Standards Procedural Instruction. Officers are subject to employment conditions as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Workplace Determination 2019.

 

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 Workplace Determination.

 

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 02/10/2023 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT – 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.

 

When preparing your response please take into the following capabilities:

  • Achieves results
  • Supports productive working relationships
  • Communicates with influence
  • Demonstrates professional/technical proficiency.

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum Arial 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number - 129619 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 are encouraged to apply.

 

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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