The National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) was established by an Act of Parliament in 2003. It is the autonomous statutory authority responsible for all maritime safety needs of the general public, especially those in isolated coastal communities, the maritime industries and their customers.
NMSA is responsible for the regulation of maritime safety standards, coordination of Search and Rescue operations and control of marine pollution in PNG waters. NMSA also fulfills Papua New Guinea’s obligations under international conventions through implementation of national and international maritime laws.
NMSA’s principal responsibilities include:
Ensuring a cleaner marine environment – Prevent and control ship-sourced maritime pollution in PNG waters
Complying to safety standards – Ensuring maritime safety through effective regulation and implementation of maritime safety standards
Saving lives at sea – Coordinate search and rescue operations