Navigation/Communications Officer (Cape Class/Thaiyak/Bay Class)

Job Req ID

ABF - 138527

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

Classification

APS Level 5 - $84,228.00 and $91,809.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

ABFMU Recruitment on abfmu.recruitment@abf.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

Onsite 
 

Applications close on 13/07/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 10 immediate positions. 

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 - Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.

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 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 redeployment within the fleet or general duties within ABF.

Navigation/Communication officers (Cape/Thaiyak/Bay) 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
• Obtain and maintain a Use of Force permit as well as pass the psychometric, medical and fitness standards required.  

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 up to 22 days (Bay) and 28 days (Cape and Thaiyak) on a Fly In Fly Out roster. A tactical extension may increase deployment days restricting a return to port or home.

The Navigations/Communications 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
• 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. With approval Torres Strait Islanders may be permitted to be domiciled in Thursday Island.

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), 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 Rescue (SAR)
• Understand and apply the conditions as set out in Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant Departmental policies, standard operating procedures and instructions.

Duties and responsibilities

Navigation Officer (Cape/Thaiyak/Bay)

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 only).

Communications Officer (Cape/Thaiyak/Bay)

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 only).

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
• 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: HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.

Navigation Officer/Communications Officer (Cape/Thaiyak)

• A Certificate of Competency as a Master less than < 45 meters 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)

• A Certificate of Competency as a Master less than < 24 meters 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).

Mandatory Role Requirements

Must be able to obtain and maintain the following:

• Certificate of Medical Fitness for sea duty in accordance with Marine Order 76 - Health - Medical Fitness 2017 (AMSA medical)
• Ability to obtain and maintain Employment Suitability Screening ESC and Australian Government Vetting Agency (AGSVA) Security Clearance of Negative Vetting 1
• Undertake and pass Non UoF psychometric testing and UoF psych (Bay only)    
• Undertake and successfully complete ABF Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA) which includes the Basic Fitness Assessment (BFA) and the ABF Medical Assessment
• Must be able to pass swim test
• Undertake and successfully complete the Functional Fitness Assessment (Bay only)
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Use of Force permit (Bay only)
• CO and Superintendent Maritime Safety and Operations endorsement as OOW, NAVO or COMMS
• 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: HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, HLTAID014 Provide Advanced First Aid & HLTIAD015 Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy
• Undertake and successfully complete Marine Induction Training as required 
• Swear an oath or make an affirmation
• Actively participate in career management (postings and deployments)
• Be uniformed
• Undertake and pass vessel specific training as required
• Prepared to deploy on board a vessel for up to 22 days (Bay) and 28 days (Cape and Thaiyak), A tactical extension may increase deployment days restricting a return to port or home
• Ability to obtain and maintain an official passport
• Officers are subject to employment conditions as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27
• It is a mandatory condition of your employment that you are fully vaccinated having received a primary course of the Covid-19 vaccine. Most people now only need one first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine as their primary course. However, you may need two doses if you are at high risk of severe illness
• Must read and sign the Child Protection Mandatory Behaviours Declaration and undertake to comply with it; complete the Department’s Child Safeguarding eLearning (Cape and Thaiyak only).

These positions are in child-related employment and compliance with the following legislation is a requirement (Bay only):

• Children's Protection Act 1993 (SA)
• Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld)
• Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic)
• Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW)
• Working With Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (WA)
• Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 (NT)
• Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 (ACT).

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

• Australian Capital Territory - Working with vulnerable people check
• New South Wales - Working with Children Check
• Northern Territory - Working with Children Clearance - Ochre Card
• Queensland - Working with Children Check - Blue Card
• South Australia - Working with Children Check
• Victoria - Working with Children Check
• Western Australia - Working with Children Check.

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

Mandatory APS Core Capabilities

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 application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 13/07/2025 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. It is recommended that your response document should be structured using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) Method. As part of your applicant response you must address the six core capabilities:

• Supports strategic direction
• Achieves results
• Supports productive working relationships
• Displays personal drive and integrity
• Communicates with influence
• Demonstrates Professional / Technical Proficiency. 

Further information regarding the STAR Method can be found at: Applying for an APS job: cracking the code | Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au)

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 138527 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 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

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

• Lodge an enquiry through the Support Connect Portal
• Email: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia)

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.