Senior Marine Communications and Technical Officer - Ocean Class

Job Req ID

ABF - 139191

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 on abfmu.recruitment@abf.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

Onsite 
 

Applications close on 31/08/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 2 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 - Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.

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 and Ocean Shield 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, 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 Senior Marine Communications and Technical Officer (SMCTO) is responsible for the effective operation the ships information and communication systems and provides technical support to the Enforcement Commander (EC) and Commanding Officer (CO) for maritime operations. The SMCTO will be required to assist with the configuration management the ships information systems and report issues to shore based officers in MDSB.

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 29 days (Ocean Class) on a Fly In Fly Out roster. A tactical extension may increase deployment days restricting a return to port or home.
 
The SMCTO 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, Darwin and 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 the 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, International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and SAR
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant Departmental policies, standard operating procedures, Instructions and Guidelines. 
• Compliance with Vessel Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Awareness of other cultures and cultural practice, including indigenous communities and neighbouring countries.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

As an ABF SMCTO under limited direction, you will be required to:

• Work within the Marine Technical Regulatory System (MTRS) as a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) 
• Work in accordance with the Technical Authority (TA) delegation granted to them under SMS
• Assist the EC in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the vessel's electronic and sensor systems
• Report to the EC and CO on board the vessel and provide a line of communication to the Shore based Marine Technical Support (MTS) team
• Provide the EC and CO with assistance through the conduct of on-board analysis, maintenance and administration of marine technical matters relating to the SMCTO position
• Supervise officers in collection of electronic media and records for ABF reporting
• Conduct all duties with the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and leadership
• Take a leading role in the promotion of safety and environmental policies, promoting a safe work environment and ensure work permits and risk analysis are conducted
• Ensure all maritime communications systems and records meet AMSA, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Class state requirements and manage the ship's non-secure communications systems
• Ensure the operational quality and availability of Electronic Support Measures (ESM) capabilities on board vessel and ships boats
• Ensure the operational quality and availability of communications systems on board vessel and ships boats
• Liaise with Shore based Marine Technical Support Officer to aid in fault diagnostic for communications, navigation, electronic sensors and information systems
• Provide training on ESM and Communication systems on board the vessel to other officers
• Maintain and fault find shipboard network, communication and computing infrastructure including routing and switch systems; satellite, PABX and CCTV systems; printers; backup and other systems on board the vessel
• Manage and maintain on board key and door access via electronic key management systems to ensure compliance
• 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 MDSB to assist in the development of new Instructions and Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures and Emergency Procedures
• Interpret and apply Work Health and Safety and all relevant maritime industry legislation, policy and guidelines 
• 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, effectively, and respectfully within the department, clients, and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration, and enhancement of ABF's reputation.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Certificate III in Electronics and Communications (must be able to provide evidence)

Highly Desirable

• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Operators Licence 
• Restricted Electrical Licence
• Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (Office of Marine Communications).

Mandatory Role Requirements:

Must be able to obtain and maintain the following:

• A TA under the MTRS as a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP)
• 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 UoF psychometric testing
• Ability to obtain and maintain Employment Suitability Screening ESC and Australian Government Vetting Agency (AGSVA) Security Clearance of Negative Vetting 1 
• Successfully complete and maintain a Basic First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011) and CPR (HLTAID009)
• Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) Maintainer
• GMDSS, General Operators Certificate
• Restricted Electrical Licence
• Certificate of Safety Training (COST) STCW which include the following components: 
  o    Elementary First Aid (STCW Reg VI/1 and Code Section A-VI/1, Table A-VI/1-3); 
  o    Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Reg VI/1 and Code Section A-VI/1, Table A-VI/1-2); 
  o    Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Reg VI/1 and Code Section A-VI/1, Table AVI/1-4); 
  o    Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Reg VI/1 and Code Section A-VI/1, Table A-VI/1-1); and 
  o    Security Awareness Training (STCW Reg VI/6 and Code Section A-VI/6, Table A-VI/6-1) 
• 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 Navigation systems
• Marine Communications systems
• Satellite
• HF, VHF, UHF and secure communications training 
• Radar, AIS and Electro Optical Surveillance System training 
• LAN and WAN
• Server and enterprise environments
• Computerised maintenance systems
• Long range radio operators Licences 
• Digital Device Examination and Reg4a training
• ABF Basic Induction and/or Marine Induction as required
• Training Vessel Induction Checklist (W 1006 Vessel Inductions).
• 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 29 days at a time. A tactical extension may increase deployment days restricting a return to port or home.
• Must read and sign the Child Protection Mandatory Behaviours Declaration and undertake to comply with it; complete the Department’s Child Safeguarding eLearning
• Officers are subject to employment conditions as specified in the  Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (homeaffairs.gov.au)
• 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 1 first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine as their primary course. However, you may need 2 doses if you are at high risk of severe illness.

Other Information

These positions are sea-going 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 Posting 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 (homeaffairs.gov.au).

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 (homeaffairs.gov.au).

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 (homeaffairs.gov.au).

How to apply

Submit your CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 31/08/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST  – Late applications will not be accepted.

You are not required to provide a written application for this role. 
The First Assessment stage will include your CV and Qualifications. Suitable 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:

• 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 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.