The federal government has appointed the first permanent female chair of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the body charged with regulating the national shipping fleet and managing international maritime obligations.

Transport minister Catherine King described the appointment of experienced Harbour Master, Master Mariner and Maritime Industry Professional Captain Jeanine Drummond as an important landmark for the maritime industry.   

Ms King said Captain Drummond has worked on projects across ports governance, pilotage standards, resource management, offshore wind development and maritime workplace inclusion and safety, and already played critical roles in improving maritime safety, skills and seafarer wellbeing.

Captain Drummond was first appointed to the AMSA Board in 2020 and is currently serving as a member for the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College Advisory Board and the Australian Mariners Welfare Society Council.

The minister also announced the appointment to the AMSA board of Dean Summers, who holds a senior leadership role in the International Transport Workers Forum, and internationally recognised maritime law expert Michelle Taylor.

“These appointments will ensure strong leadership that enhances the critical role AMSA plays in protecting our marine environment, supporting safe navigation and marine safety, as well as providing a national search and rescue service,” Ms King said.