The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) was formally established on 1 January 1991 although structures were informally in place in the three regions some months before. The Authority assumed the major functions of the previous Maritime Operations Division of the Department of Transport and Communications namely the maintenance and provision of marine navigational aids; the combat of ship sourced oil pollution; the administration of regulatory functions relating to the safety of ships and qualification of marine personnel and the operation of the Federal Sea Safety Centre. AMSA, Southern Region is responsible for these operations (with the exception of the Federal Sea Safety Centre) in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The headquarters for the Southern Region is located in Melbourne. The functions of the former Mercantile Marine Office, Port Adelaide were taken over by the local office of AMSA which is an integral part of this agency.

Historical agency address

Victoria office:1991- c. 2005 : 2nd Floor, Building 3, 6 Riverside Quay, South Melbourne VICc. 2005 - : Level 13, 15 William Street, Melbourne VICAdelaide office: 1991- c.2005 : 215 Victoria Road, Largs Bay SA c.2005 - :Level 2, Customs House, 220 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide SA

Legislation administered

Creation: Commonwealth of Australia Act No. 78 of 1990 (23/10/1990)