The Defence Seaworthiness Regulator, Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin CSC, invites all Defence members, Defence industry, counterparts and other parties that contribute to seaworthiness outcomes to join the 2025 Defence Seaworthiness Conference.

In a period of rapid change, Defence is evolving its maritime regulatory system to keep pace with the introduction of new capabilities and to make sure it remains efficient and effective in assuring seaworthiness outcomes for the integrated force.

Focusing on the short to medium term, this year’s theme of Contemporary regulation for Epoch 2 and beyond will explore how the new system supports changes underway as a result of the National Defence Strategy, how the new system will fit into the broader regulatory landscape, and the risks and challenges associated with changing a regulatory system.

Key international counterparts will share case studies and lessons learnt in adjusting and maintaining their own maritime regulatory systems.

You will hear from senior leaders about their contribution to the regulatory environment and how they are preparing for the years ahead, including:

• Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, Chief of Navy and the Defence Seaworthiness Authority
• Air Marshal Alan GiIIespie CBE, Director General Defence Safety Authority (UK)
• Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin, Defence Seaworthiness Regulator
  
• Rear Admiral Chris Smith AM CSM, Commander Australian Fleet
• Major General Richard Vagg DSC, Head Land Capability
• Rear Admiral Letitia Van Stralen AM CSC, Head Military Personnel
• Commander Grant Boore RNZN, NZDF Technical Seaworthiness Regulator
• Commodore Sands Skinner, Director General Seaworthiness
  
• Michele Miller AM, Head of Nuclear-Powered Submarines Regulatory Design
• Colin Dagg CSC, Assistant Secretary Australian Naval Classification Authority
• Captain Gemma Mountney, Director Navy Governance

If you are not able to make it to Canberra, you can still register to join the conference virtually through the same link.