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Marine Communications and Technical Officer (Cape Class)

Job Req ID

ABF - 139985

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

APS Level 4 - $76,863.00 and $82,906.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

ABFMU on abfmu.recruitment@abf.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

Onsite 
 

Applications close on 26/10/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 4 immediate position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA.
 

Benefits


Amongst other allowances, on successful completion of pre-deployment requirements, marine sea-going officers currently attract a commuted sea-going allowance (CMA) 63% of base salary. See section 12 - Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (homeaffairs.gov.au)

 

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 (MDSB) 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 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 Biosecurity.

 

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 Marine Communications Technical Officer (MCTO) Cape Class will be required to:

 

  • Assist the Chief Engineering Officer (CENG), Communications Officer (COMMS) and Commanding Officer (CO) in the safe and efficient operations of all (internal and external) communications (including wideband satellite system), sensors and navigation equipment and provide advice in regards to maintenance (planned, corrective and preventative) of the vessel's electronic equipment
  • Assist with on-board marine duties including radio and surveillance sensor operation and gathering of electronic evidence. Carry out all forms of maintenance on vessel electronic equipment as scheduled by the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or as delegated by the CENG 
  • Action software configuration changes in accordance with the approved procedure. Carry out electrical and electronics repairs and maintenance of systems only if authorised to do so in accordance with the assignment of Technical Authority (TA). Ensure compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) in the workplace. Assist in bridge and engineering watch keeping as directed. Assist with vessel running and maintenance duties as delegated by the CENG and / or the Marine Technical Support (MTS) section.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

 

MDSB are 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 for 28 days (Cape Class) on a Fly In Fly Out roster. A tactical extension may increase deployment days restricting a return to port or home.


The MCTO 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
  • 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, Darwin and Thursday Island (Thursday Island - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Officers Only).

 

 

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 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
    • Quarantine Act 1908
    • Navigation Act 2012
    • Migration Act 1958
    • Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Marine Orders and Marine Notices
    • International Maritime Organisation Conventions Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), MARPOL, International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keepers (STCW), Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC), Load Line, (MLC), Load Line, International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and Search and Rescue (SAR)
    • Ability to interpret and apply relevant Departmental policies, standard operating procedures, instructions and guidelines (I&Gs)
    • Compliance with Vessel Safety Management Systems (SMS).

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

Specific Duties/Responsibilities


As the MCTO (Cape Class) you will be required to:

 

  • Work within the Marine Technical Regulatory System (MTRS) as a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP)
  • Assist the CO in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the vessel's electronic and communication systems
  • Provide the CO with assistance through the conduct of on-board analysis, maintenance and administration of marine technical matters relating to the MCTO position
  • Manage, implement and input the electronic and communications elements and maintenance requirements into the vessel's deck and engineering maintenance plans
  • Manage the ships communication, navigation, electronic sensors and information systems
  • Perform daily system operational tests of all on-board communications, navigation and sensor systems, including pre and post sailing checks
  • Operate electro optical surveillance system during boarding evolutions and as directed
  • Manage the operational capability of the tenders' electronic and communication systems
  • Liaise with shore-based MTS Officers to aid in fault diagnostic for communications, navigation, electronic sensors and information systems
  • Take an active role in the familiarisation of other crew in relation to on-board communications, navigation, electronic sensors and information systems
  • Work closely with the MDSB to assist the development of new I&Gs, Standard Operating Procedures and Emergency Procedures
  • Interpret and apply Work Health and Safety and other relevant maritime industry legislation
  • Carry out duties during emergencies and drills
  • Assist in providing on-site support, when required, to assist in the coordination of maintenance, warranty and survey tasks
  • Provide marine technical advice to ABF Marine Unit and clients, as required
  • Assist with general deck, engine room and ship's husbandry duties including food preparation and domestic hygiene duties
  • Be responsible for creating complete and accurate records in accordance with the Recordkeeping Practice Statement and Instruction and Guidelines
  • Provide advice and/or assistance to Central Office, as required
  • Contribute to the management of vessel operations in heavy sea states
  • Contribute to on-board emergency response and communicate effectively within teams
  • Plan, organise and control processes and resources to deliver specific goals or objectives
  • Build and maintain productive working relationships with shore side support staff
  • Plan, organise and control systems, processes and resources to deliver specific goals or objectives
  • Coordinate multiple work areas to complete tasks within set time frames.

 

Mandatory Qualifications

 

  • Certificate II in Electronics; equivalent or higher (must be able to provide evidence)

 

Highly Desirable


Possess or have the ability to obtain:

 

  • Certificate III in Electronics; equivalent or higher


Mandatory Role Requirements:


Must be able to obtain and maintain the following:

 

  • Ability to undertake and successfully complete (without restriction) the ABF Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA); which includes the Basic Fitness Assessment (BFA) + swim assessment 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
  • Undertake and pass Non Use of Force (UoF) psychometric testing
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Employment Suitability Screening ESC and Australian Government Vetting Agency (AGSVA) Security Clearance of Negative Vetting 1.
  • Certificate of Safety Training (COST) Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) which include the following components: 

 

    • Elementary First Aid (STCW Reg VI/1 and Code Section A-VI/1, Table A-VI/1-3); 
    • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Reg VI/1 and Code Section A-VI/1, Table A-VI/1-2); 
    • Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Reg VI/1 and Code Section A-VI/1, Table AVI/1-4); 
    • Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Reg VI/1 and Code Section A-VI/1, Table A-VI/1-1); and 
    • Security Awareness Training (STCW Reg VI/6 and Code Section A-VI/6, Table A-VI/6-1) 
  • Marine Navigation systems, Marine Communications systems and Satellite
  • High, Very High and Ultra High Frequency, Radio Operation and secure communications training 
  • Secure communications, Radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Electro Optical Surveillance System (EOSS) 
  • Local Area and Wide Area Network 
  • Possess or have the ability to obtain Certificate III in Electronics; equivalent or higher
  • Server and enterprise environments and Computerised maintenance systems 
  • Apply relevant legislation, policy and guidelines
  • Possess the skills, ability and qualifications to be awarded a TA under the MTRS as a SQEP
  • Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS), Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) Maintainer - generic and specific required
  • Restricted Electrical Licences 
  • Advanced Fire Fighting Training
  • Successfully complete and maintain Basic First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (HLTAID009)
  • Ability to obtain an Official Passport 
  • Swear an oath or make an affirmation
  • Actively participate in career management (postings and deployments) 
  • Be uniformed. Prepared to deploy on board a vessel for up to 36 days at a time
  • 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)
  • Certificate of Proficiency of Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats
  • Provide Medical First Aid On-board a Vessel Training (AMSA) 
  • Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (Office of Marine Communications) and Long Range Radio Operators Licences.

 

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 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. 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 Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.

 

This position has been assessed in accordance with the APSC Role Evaluation Framework. To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the capabilities, skills and knowledge, and adhere to all relevant aspects described by:

 

  • Work Level Standards
  • Integrated Leadership Systems 
  • Home Affairs Professional Standards and Integrity Framework
  • APS Legislative Requirements
  • APS Values and Code of Conduct 

 

How to apply

 

Submit your CV and ensure you carefully answer all required screening questions through the Home Affairs' recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 26/10/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT - Late applications will not be accepted.

 
The First Assessment stage will include your CV, Qualifications and Applicants will be invited to complete an Online Written Scenario Based Question. 


The Second Assessment Stage - All Candidates found Suitable in the above process, will be requested to undertake a Panel interview using a digital interviewing platform.

 

Eligibility

 

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

 

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

  • ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
  • Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
     

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

 

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

 

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

 

 

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 Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

 

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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