Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell ESM will step down from the role next month after accepting a position as Executive Director of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Commissioner Barrell joined Marine Rescue NSW in 2020, following a distinguished career that included frontline service with NSW Police and senior executive roles with NSW Maritime.
As Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner, he has overseen the growth of the Service’s membership to more than 3,500 volunteers and driven significant improvements in search and rescue response and capability across Marine Rescue NSW’s 46 units.
“Marine Rescue NSW is in a very strong position, with immense capability in marine search, rescue and communications.
“The strength of any organisation comes from collective effort, and I look forward to watching Marine Rescue NSW continue to grow from the sidelines.
“My appointment to AMSA reflects the value and respect held for volunteer marine rescue services.
“I am excited to step into this new role, and I look forward to working closely with the dedicated team at AMSA,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW Chair, Jim Glissan AM ESM KC, congratulated Commissioner Barrell on his national appointment.
“Alex’s maritime knowledge and management skills are exceptional, and he will be a tremendous asset to AMSA.
“Whilst the volunteers, Board and staff at Marine Rescue NSW will be sad to see Alex leave the organisation, national search and rescue operations will benefit greatly from his experience,” Mr Glissan said.
At the request of the Marine Rescue NSW Board, Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews will take on the role of Acting Commissioner on 15 September, while a recruitment process is undertaken to appoint the next Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
Statement from AMSA
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) today announced the appointment of Mr Alex Barrell as its new Executive Director, Response, commencing Monday 15 September 2025.
With 30 years’ experience across the maritime, regulatory and emergency management sectors, Mr Barrell currently serves as Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer at Marine Rescue NSW, where he previously held the role of Deputy Commissioner, Operations and Capability. His career includes frontline service at NSW Police Force 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 Kaylene Dale, Chief Executive Officer.
In recognition of his lifelong commitment to maritime rescue and community safety, Mr Barrell was awarded the prestigious Emergency Services Medal (EMS) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. He is also the only Australian trustee on the International Maritime Rescue Federation Board.
“A respected leader in Australia’s maritime and emergency management sectors, Mr Barrell brings extensive experience leading maritime rescues and large-scale emergency operations, working within complex multi-jurisdictional environments, positioning him to make an immediate impact.
“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 added.
In his role as Executive Director, Mr Alex Barrell will oversee AMSA’s Response Centre, which coordinates search and rescue operations across Australia’s vast maritime and aviation regions—covering approximately one-tenth of the Earth’s surface.
“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,” said Mr Barrell.
Mr Barrell will be based in Canberra. He’ll also 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 hold the position of Chair on the National Search and Rescue Council.
