Coastwatch
Australian Customs Coastwatch · Customs Coastwatch
1988 – March 2005
Civil coastal and maritime surveillance organisation within the Australian Customs Service, which used contracted aircraft and Defence assets to detect illegal fishing, people smuggling, drug importation and quarantine risks around Australia's coastline.
How it came into existence
Placed in the Australian Customs Service in 1988 following the Hudson review of coastal surveillance, taking over coordination of civil coastal surveillance from the Coastal Protection Unit of the Australian Federal Police.
- Coordination of civil coastal surveillance
The AFP's Coastal Protection Unit had coordinated civil coastal surveillance before 1988.
How it ended
Combined with Defence maritime surveillance and patrol coordination in March 2005 to form the Joint Offshore Protection Command; the Coastwatch name continued for the civil aerial surveillance program.
- Civil maritime surveillance
Main functions
- Civil coastal and maritime surveillance
- Contracted aerial surveillance
- Detection of illegal fishing and unauthorised boat arrivals
- Coordination of civil and Defence surveillance assets
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Attorney-General's Department.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.