ALEX Barrell has been appointed the new executive director of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, starting 15 September.
Mr Barrell currently serves as commissioner and chief executive at Marine Rescue NSW and has 30 years of experience across the maritime, regulatory and emergency management sectors.
He was previously deputy commissioner, operations and capability at Marine Rescue NSW.
His career includes service with NSW Police and senior executive roles at NSW Maritime.
“Mr Barrell will provide critical leadership and strategic oversight of AMSA’s national search and rescue and incident response capability, including maritime emergency preparedness and pollution prevention,” said AMSA chief executive Kaylene Dale.
Mr Barrell was awarded the Emergency Services Medal (EMS) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List, reflecting his commitment to maritime rescue and community safety.
He is also the only Australian trustee on the International Maritime Rescue Federation Board.
“With a strong focus on maritime safety, a commitment to stakeholder and community engagement, and passionate advocacy for Australia’s professional and volunteer search and rescue members as well as greater participation by women in maritime rescue, he will help advance AMSA’s vision of safe and clean seas, saving lives,” Ms Dale said.
Mr Barrell is to oversee AMSA’s response centre, which coordinates search and rescue operations across Australia’s vast maritime and aviation regions.
"I am honoured to be joining AMSA and look forward to contributing to its mission of ensuring safe vessel operations, combating marine pollution, and rescuing people in distress," Mr Barrell said.
Mr Barrell is to be based in Canberra. He is to oversee AMSA’s infrastructure supporting navigation safety and high-value aviation and surface assets.
This includes about 480 aids to navigation, Challenger aircraft fleet used in incident response and the Reef Keeper emergency towing vessel tasked with protecting the marine environment in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef.
Mr Barrell will also chair the National Search and Rescue Council.
He replaces Jamie Storrie who has been in the role in an acting role.