Output 3 - Civil maritime surveillance and response

Planning for the future

The next two years will pose major challenges to Coastwatch and the National Marine Unit. During this period, Coastwatch will:

• further refine the operational and organisational arrangements for the Joint Offshore Protection Command and augmented security patrols
• build the linkages and infrastructure that will underpin the Australian Maritime Identification System
• undertake the substantial task of transitioning to the new surveillance contracts
• continue to assess the viability of use of emerging technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles
• respond to the challenges presented by increasing and more sophisticated foreign fishing incursions, particularly in Australia’s northern waters.

The National Marine Unit will:

• fit deck-mounted weapons on all ACVs and recruit and train additional crew to operate this equipment by the end of 2005
• fit secure voice and email communication systems on all ACVs.

As part of the Southern Ocean Maritime Surveillance and Response program, Customs will:

• renegotiate with P&O Maritime Services Pty Ltd a long-term contract for the Oceanic Viking to cover the period until June 2010
• extend the capability for undertaking operations in northern waters
• coordinate a long-term sailing plan with the French government to ensure maximum patrol coverage
• explore cooperative arrangements with other interested countries.