The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has appointed former master mariner, Greg Witherall, as Executive Director Operations, effective immediately.
An executive with more than 30 years’ experience across the maritime sector, Mr Witherall brings operational, technical and regulatory expertise to the role. His career spans seafaring, vessel command, safety regulation and executive leadership.
Mr Witherall began his career in Canada’s fishing industry before progressing to Captain in the international cruise sector. Since joining AMSA in 2010 as a Port Marine Surveyor, Mr Witherall has helped shape AMSA’s approach to maritime safety regulation, seafarer welfare and industry engagement, becoming one of the agency’s most respected and experienced operational leaders.
AMSA Chief Executive Officer Kaylene Dale said Mr Witherall’s appointment reflected his deep maritime expertise, proven leadership and longstanding commitment to maritime safety, environmental protection and seafarer welfare.
“Greg brings exceptional operational and regulatory expertise to this role, backed by more than three decades of maritime experience across vessel command, industry operations and maritime safety regulation,” Ms Dale said.
“His appointment, following a competitive process, strengthens AMSA’s ability to deliver modern, risk-based regulation that protects lives at sea, safeguards Australia’s marine environment and supports productivity, resilience and sustainability across the maritime sector. Greg has played an important role in shaping AMSA’s approach to regulation and working collaboratively with industry to improve outcomes. He is widely respected across the sector and has consistently demonstrated the leadership, technical expertise and strategic judgement needed to navigate an increasingly complex operating environment… Greg has been a strong advocate for seafarers throughout his career. He has also led regulatory action to protect seafarer welfare and ensure maritime employers meet their obligations under Australian and international law.”
Over his time at AMSA, Mr Witherall has helped strengthen Australia’s maritime regulatory capability, improve services for seafarers and industry and modernise certification through the myAMSA platform, making it easier and faster for people to enter the industry.
Mr Witherall said he was honoured to lead Australia’s national maritime regulatory operations.
“AMSA plays a critical role in protecting lives at sea, safeguarding Australia’s marine environment and supporting a strong and sustainable maritime industry. Australia relies on a safe, resilient and efficient maritime sector. I look forward to working with industry, governments and maritime stakeholders to strengthen safety outcomes, uphold seafarer welfare standards and maintain confidence in Australia’s maritime regulatory system,” Mr Witherall said.
As Executive Director Operations, Mr Witherall leads AMSA’s national regulatory operations, including vessel inspection, compliance and enforcement activities that help uphold safety standards, protect seafarers and passengers, and safeguard Australia’s marine environment.
Mr Witherall holds a Master Mariner’s Licence, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Business and Executive Master of Public Administration.
