In cooperation with the Army and Air Force, the Navy is responsible for defending Australia, its coastline, its shipping lanes and its citizens. It also protects our waters from illegal fishing, drug running and illegal immigration; contributes to regional security; and supports global interests, through:
On a day-to-day basis the Navy provides many services that are critical to the safety of shipping, and those engaged in professional and recreational seagoing. These include:
In addition to defending our nation, the Navy is on permanent standby to participate in a broad range of operations in Australia and overseas. These include supporting international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, and helping communities affected by natural disasters such as fire, flood and earthquake.