The Defence Seaworthiness Program's first Naval Permit to Operate was recently issued to the Elysium EPL SEASAT Lightfish vessel, proving the new regulatory system can provide assurance for new capabilities off the Australian station.
The Australian Naval Seaworthiness Authority (ANSA) worked closely with the Australian Naval Classification Authority, the Navy AUKUS Pillar II Subsea/Seabed Warfare project team and contractors Elysium EPL to collect and assess the evidence of relevant safety controls to authorise the SEASAT Lightfish to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific.
A Naval Permit to Operate is an authorisation instrument under Australian Naval Seaworthiness Regulation (ANSR) 307 that allows vessels to operate under defined conditions, limitations and risk controls, enabling temporary or limited operations.
It provides a credible and defensible way to maintain regulatory oversight when experimenting with new Defence vessels that fall outside of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's jurisdiction.
Reflecting on the process, Elysium EPL Fleet Operations Manager Prue Davey said the permit was a practical and effective way of demonstrating compliance.
"Achieving a Naval Permit to Operate for Elysium EPL's SEASAT Lightfish fleet was a significant milestone," Ms Davey said.
"The approval enabled Lightfish operations during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026 and showed how autonomous maritime systems can be practically introduced into Defence service.
"ANSA worked closely with us throughout the process, helping demonstrate the autonomous vessel could be safely operated in support of Navy activities."
The issuing of the first permit demonstrated ANSA has established a structured assessment process to support project teams to bring capabilities into the Defence jurisdiction safely.
