Marine guide to government

This page lists the marine-related services provided by each government department or agency.

Use this list to find the best contact for your topic.

Department for Environment and Water

  • Marine biodiversity conservation policies
  • Marine planning and protected area development
  • Management of marine and estuarine areas, including Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
  • Permits for commercial whale watching
  • Coast Protection Board

Visit the Department for Environment and Water website.

Department for Infrastructure and Transport

  • On water safety, operations, licensing and compliance
  • Ferry locations and operational status
  • Commercial marine services and ports
  • Marine facility planning and maintenance
  • Marine transport policy advice
  • South Australian Boating Facilities and Advisory Committee
  • Notices to Mariners
  • Marine pollution response in ocean waters
    Report inland spills to Adelaide Fire Communications Centre by calling 8204 3600. They will manage this in line with Hazardous Materials Control Agency arrangements.

Visit the Marine Safety SA website.

Department of Premier and Cabinet

  • Advice about awards and agreements
  • Advice about workplace health and safety issues
  • Workplace health and safety investigations

Visit the Department of Premier and Cabinet website.

Department of Primary Industries and Regions

  • Regulation of commercial, recreational and charter fishing
  • Licensing for commercial and charter fishing, and aquaculture activities
  • Permits for commercial take of fish
  • Management of introduced marine pests
  • Protection of fish habitats, including new aquatic reserves
  • Advice for development near critical habitats
  • Environmental monitoring and assessment

Visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regions website.

Environment Protection Authority

  • Licensing of activities of environmental significance
  • Compliance with the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003
  • Codes of practice applicable to marine activities
  • Water quality monitoring, studies and improvements
  • Surveys of water environment

Visit the Environmental Protection Authority website.

Port Operators

  • The below companies are private operators of ports in South Australia

Visit the Flinders Ports website.

Visit the T-Ports website.

Service SA

  • Boat licensing and registration
  • Transport permits
  • Boat Code program

Visit the Service SA website.

South Australia Police

  • Marine emergency response

Visit the South Australia Police website.

South Australian Tourism Commission

  • Promotion of marine related tourist activities

Visit the South Australian Tourism Commission website.

TAFE SA

  • Marine-related training and courses

Visit the TAFE SA website.

Related information

Other websites