Border Force Officer - Career Advice - Government and Defence

Customs Broker
Marine Unit Officer

Did You Know?

Here are some of the exciting Australian Border Force (ABF) jobs

1. Border Force officer recruit

Primary duties: A Border Force officer recruit is an entry-level rank held for 12 months. During this period, officer recruits learn information to become successful border force officers. Exams test mastery of topics including legislation, ABF powers, passenger processing and baggage and traveller searches.

Officer recruits apply their knowledge during rotations in different sectors of the ABF, including airports, seaports and mail and cargo examination facilities. They may check people and goods enter the country legally and patrol local waters for people smugglers.

2. Cook

Primary duties: A cook prepares a range of dishes for diners. Border Force employs cooks in its marine unit. These professionals prepare breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the entire marine unit while they are patrolling local waters. Cooks in Border Force focus on creating nutritious meals to give marine unit officers the energy to perform their tasks.

3. General Duties Border Force Officer

Primary duties: A general duties Border Force officer is an officer who has passed the initial training program. General duties Border Force officers examine passengers, luggage, parcels and arriving planes and ships to make sure only legal goods and people enter the country.

If they detect prohibited or illegal substances or people, general duties Border Force officers may arrest suspects and testify against them in court. General duties Border Force officers may move between different ABF departments and locations.

4. Dog Handler


Primary duties: A dog handler manages a working dog as they perform set tasks. Border Force dog handlers manage detector dogs trained to search locations, people and goods for illegal and prohibited items. When dogs detect narcotics, tobacco, currency, explosives and firearms, dog handlers may issue warnings or fines or make arrests, depending on the offence.

Dog handlers also provide basic care for the detector dogs, including feeding, grooming and exercise.

5. Marine Engineer

Primary duties: A marine engineer designs, builds and tests boats, ships and underwater craft. Marine engineers in Border Force focus on the vessels used by the marine unit. They also repair vessels with faults or damage sustained from impact or age.

They ensure vessels are seaworthy with fully functioning instruments and systems so the marine unit can carry out their patrol duties.

6. Technical Officer

Primary duties: A technical officer provides support and maintenance services to people who use an organisation's systems. The ABF employs technical officers in its marine unit to operate and maintain the systems in its vessels, such as power generation and refrigeration systems. Their strong diagnostic skills and technical aptitude help them identify, diagnose and correct faults for reliable operation while crews are away from land.

7. Commander

Primary duties: A commander ensures the people in a particular division or area follow the department's strategy and protocols. The ABF has several regional and division commanders, including a commander for detention operations, commander for marine workforce capability and commander for investigations. Commanders help the department's commissioners understand its daily operations and employee concerns.

8. Commissioner

Primary duties: A commissioner oversees the strategy of departments in a specific division, state or territory. The ABF has a head commissioner, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners. These roles are the highest ranks of the ABF.

Border Force Officer

The role of customs officers and of immigration officers is performed by the Australian Border Force Officers - General duties.

Border Force officers manage the security and integrity of Australia's borders. Border Force officers check people and goods entering Australia for illegal and prohibited substances. They mainly work at international airports, seaports or outposts along the Australian coastline, examining passengers, luggage, cargo, mail and the Future Growth Static crews of planes and ships to prevent the illegal entry into Australia of prohibited, quarantined or dutiable goods. They also patrol Australian waters to intercept and deter people smugglers.

They also work in offices and processing centres throughout Australia. Border Force officers examine travellers' passports on arrival in Australia, checking for forged documents. They also assess applications for working and student visas, permanent residency and claims for asylum. As part of the assessment process they may be required to conduct personal interviews with passengers or visa applicants, using an interpreter where necessary.

When illegal goods are detected, Border Force officers have the power to make arrests, and may provide evidence in court.

ANZSCO ID: 599511

Alternative names: Customs and Border Protection Officer; Customs Officer, General duties Border Force officer, Border Force Officer Recruit,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Border Force Officers are multiskilled and usually work as part of a team or under general supervision.

A Border Force Officer needs: ABF

excellent communication skills
excellent interpersonal skills
good organisational and planning skills
to be respectful and understanding of a range of different cultures - courteous and efficient
good analytical and research skills
the ability to remain calm and patient in high pressure situations
the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
to be flexible and resourceful
high ethical standards
able to deal with increasingly sophisticated technologies
able to pass a medical and fitness examination
able to satisfy security requirements
at least 18 years of age
Australian citizenship

Duties and tasks

Border Force officers may perform the following tasks:

process and assess risk levels of all passengers and crew entering or leaving Australia
board ships and aircraft to check compliance with regulations and search for undocumented cargo and people or prohibited goods
check documents, examine luggage and clear goods for import or export
seize and destroy prohibited imports
respond to public and industry enquiries
engage with clients, travelers and the general public
collect tariffs and duty, and refund GST to tourists
monitor security in Border Force controlled areas, including wharves and airport tarmac areas
perform administrative work as required

Working conditions

Border Force officers work in airports, ports and in regional centres on the coast throughout Australia. Most Border Force officers transfer between a number of departments and offices throughout their career, which may require moving to regional locations or interstate. A number of roles within the Customs service involves shiftwork, which may include working nights, weekends and public holidays.

Border Force officers working in immigration typically work at immigration offices and processing centres or international airports around Australia. There may also be limited opportunities to work overseas in Australian embassies and consulates. They have a high level of contact with people from a range of cultural backgrounds, with varying levels of English language skills. The work can be stressful when dealing with difficult or complicated cases, and immigration officers must remain calm. Border Force officers working at airports and other points of entry to Australia may be required to work shifts, which can include nights, weekends and public holidays.

Border Force officers have a high level of contact with the public and often have to deal with people who are upset, angry or otherwise confrontational.

Most officers work closely with the public and related industry personnel.

During initial training and in the early stages of their careers, officers can expect to be moved through a number of different areas. This may include periods of transfer to different locations around Australia depending on operational requirements.

Some work areas require shiftwork and overtime.

Tools and technologies

Border Force officers use equipment such as x-ray machines and ion scanners to check passengers, luggage and parcels for drugs, weapons and other illegal or dangerous substances. Border Force officers also use specially trained detector dogs to locate certain prohibited goods. The Border Force Marine Unit uses large patrol vessels and smaller speed boats for boarding operations, along with general maritime safety equipment. Some Border Forces officers may also carry firearms.

Border Force officers working in immigration use standard office equipment to research and process visa applications. They are required to keep detailed records detailing the reasons why an application was approved or denied, and so will have to be familiar with departmental record keeping and archiving practices. Immigration officers working at airports, monitoring the arrival of international visitors, may use surveillance equipment.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a Border Force officer within the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) you must pass the Australian Border Force recruitment process and complete training at the Australian Border Force College.

Badge of the Australian Border Force

Applicants must be an Australian citizen, at least 18 years old and meet medical, fitness, aptitude and psychometric requirements for the role.

You must also obtain an Employee Suitability Clearance from the DIBP and a minimum Baseline Commonwealth security clearance from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.

Successful applicants are required to attend a six month training program at the Australian Border Force College. Upon completion the training, you become a probationary officer and participate in a series of work placements for six months. After successfully completing your work placement you will then become a Border Force officer.

Contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection for more information.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) Marine Unit conduct a range of border enforcement activities throughout the Australian Maritime exclusive economic zones. These activities include offshore maritime patrols and response, surveillance and deterrence activities that support civil maritime security operations.

Marine Unit Officers work and live in a structured and confined environment while they are onboard our vessels.

Our marine unit officers are highly motivated people. You will have well developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. You will be detail orientated and responsive to your environment.

On bridge
Defence: ABF Inspector Damon Bailey on the bridge of HMAS Adelaide during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022
(Source: Defence)

ANZSCO ID: 599511

Alternative names: ABF Officer, ABF Marine Force, Marine Tactical Officer, MTO,

Specialisations

Specialist roles in the Marine Unit include:

Commanding Officers
Marine Engineers
Marine Unit Cooks
Marine Communications and Technical Officers, and
Marine Tactical Officers (MTOs).

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To be successful working in this environment, you need to:

be able to fulfil the requirements of a Border Force Officer
be able to cope with a roster including regular periods of up to 42 days away from home with limited contact ashore or ability to return home during patrols
be self-motivated and capable of performing duties with little supervision
be able to cope with confined, shared living in a marine environment - compatible with sharing facilities, when living in the close constraints of a vessel for a long period.
be able to cope with sea conditions including sea sickness and working outside in inclement weather - able to perform duties in the maritime environment. This includes lengthy deployments on unstable platforms in uncertain and variable weather and sea conditions
be able to work on a rotational basis at any time day or night to accommodate the ship's 24-hour-a-day continual operations
have well-developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
be detail-oriented and able to work cohesively for long periods in a small team
flexible and use initiative in response to allocated work. Including assisting with work outside of assigned responsibilities.
be capable of thinking logically under stress and when fatigued
apply legislative powers in a maritime environment on both foreign and domestic vessels
participate in the daily running of the ship including cleaning, deck maintenance, watch standing, husbandry, safety rounds, storing ship and all other tasks assigned as general purpose hands

Australian Border Force Marine
(Source: Border Force Officer - Marine)

Duties and Tasks

MTO crew perform varied duties, including:

boarding operations
bridge and engine room watch keeping
deck and engine room tasks and maintenance
meal preparation and
vessel cleaning tasks.

MTOs may operate on board a range of ABF Cutters and other vessels.

Working conditions

This work involves spending substantial time away from home for extended periods. This is usually up to 31 days but could be up to 36 days on a Fly In Fly Out roster.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Entry-level Marine Unit Officers will complete a 6-week Border Force Officer Recruit Trainee program and a 16-week marine-specific training program.

The 16 week marine-specific training includes:

seamanship and other professional mariner skills through a Certificate I in Maritime Operations
basic use of force and personal defensive skills
maritime legislation and powers
boarding vessels at sea
small boat operations
navigational watch standing, ship's husbandry, deck maintenance

Once you have successfully completed training, you will be deployed on patrols.

Employment Opportunities

Roles in the Marine Unit are very competitive. Military seagoing experience, maritime experience, or similar, is highly desirable.

MTO
(Source: Instagram)

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International trade is critical to the way the global economy works. Without the ability to trade internationally, many countries would take a severe economic blow, since they would be unable to send their goods to the countries with the biggest customer base for them. Future Growth Strong

In order to properly facilitate this trade in Australia, there are certain governing bodies and agents that must be in place to oversee things. A customs broker is one example of this type of agent.

Customs brokers, acting under licences issued by the Australian Border Force, provide professional assistance and advice about customs, quarantine and import and export matters. Customs brokers provide advice to clients about a range of international trade matters including customs clearance, quarantine and biosecurity restrictions, trade mark requirements, indirect tax obligations and other import and export matters.

Customs brokers are the ones who are responsible for advising shippers about importing and exporting goods into the country. These agents are frequently used by those looking to ship goods overseas commercially or receive international goods from other countries.

ANZSCO ID: 591212

Specialisations: Freight Forwarder - administers the carriage of goods on behalf of a shipping company. Their duties include arranging cargo space on a vessel, providing documentation and arranging customs clearance.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

good communication skills
good at mathematics
good memory
high standard of personal integrity
aptitude for working with computers
good character, with no record of bankruptcy or criminal activity

Customs Broker
(Source: BKG Logistics)

Duties and Tasks

Customs brokers may perform the following tasks:

provide information to importers about customs tariffs, including rates of duty and the methods of goods clearance
receive, prepare and process import documents
make reservations with shipping or airline companies for freight to be exported and arrange for the clearance of cargo (export declaration)
work with the Australian Border Force and other government authorities on the correct clearance of goods through customs and quarantine - assist with the process of importing goods successfully by making sure that the shipments in question are able to clear customs
advise on tariff classifications, tariff concessions, appraisals and overseas trade enquiries
provide information to businesses that export goods to help them successfully get their shipments out of the country to customers in different parts of the world
help organisations complete the necessary paperwork that is required by the Australian government to ship their goods out of the country
kept up to date on all of the latest tariffs and fees that need to be paid by businesses in Australia that are looking to conduct international trade

Working conditions

Customs brokers in small agencies may handle all aspects of the work, while in large agencies they may specialise in a specific area such as imports, exports or classifying. Customs brokers have a lot of contact with the public. You would be based in an office or from home and contact clients through telephone and email, with occasional meetings.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a licensed customs broker you usually have to complete an accredited course in customs broking and be able to demonstrate adequate work experience in the customs broking industry.

Entry to these courses usually requires Year 12. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

On completion of the course you will need to apply to the National Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Committee (NCBLAC) for recommendation to the Australian Border Force for a customs brokers licence. Once you receive your licensure, you are free to work as a customs broker in the state where you are licensed. In many cases, customs brokers will work for an organisation that specialises in handling shipping matters; they may work for a customs brokerage firm or a logistics company that handles a full range of shipping services. Customs brokers can also work independently, depending on their preferences and the way that they like to work.

Additional Information

The International Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of Australia Ltd (IFCBAA) run a national industry examination that may assist to demonstrate industry experience. Visit their website for further information.

In order to obtain a customs broker's licence, applicants must meet integrity requirements outlined in the Customs Act.

Employment Opportunities

Customs brokers are employed by customs brokerages, freight forwarders, couriers and other companies involved in the import and export of goods in and out of Australia. With experience, some customs brokers become partners or start their own businesses. Others move into management jobs or freight transport. Customs brokers are usually based at major receiving ports.

Demand for customs brokers can fluctuate with the level of overseas trade (imports and exports). Without the assistance of knowledgeable customs brokers, it would be extremely difficult for businesses to trade internationally. For this reason, it is a profession that is in high demand. If you are looking for a fulfilling career that helps businesses succeed and contributes positively to the growth of the Australian economy, becoming a customs broker might be a smart idea.

Did You Know?

The Benefits of Becoming a Customs Broker

There are several major benefits to making the decision to become a customs broker in Australia:

The ability to work with many different kinds of people: A huge number of businesses import or export their goods in Australia, which requires the help of a customs broker. You will meet many interesting people and learn about their organisations as a customs broker

A well-paying job: Some estimates state that customs brokers can make anywhere between $54,631 and $95,576 depending on where they are working and how much experience they have. This number is substantially higher than the $46,900 median salary that Australians today earn

Plenty of job security: As a customs broker, there is always going to be a need for your services, since companies are always going to be looking to export or import goods into the country
(Source: was at Kangan Education)

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