The Marine Unit focuses on surveillance and response activities within the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone, and the operation and training of ships and crews to do so.

Maritime Border Command is responsible for protecting Australia's maritime areas, offshore assets, and external territories from threats, including the exploitation of natural resources, people smuggling, importation or exportation of drugs and other illegal items, piracy, and terrorism.

Australian Border Force maintains a permanent base of operations for the Marine Unit at the Port Darwin East Arm Wharf.

[7] These vessels are stationed around the country and are used for a variety of operations including coastal patrol, surveillance and drug interdiction.

The Defence Strategic Review due in 2023 is reportedly considering removing the Arafura-class from Royal Australian Navy service and transferring them to the Australian Border Force Marine Unit, this is being considered as the Arafura class lacks the capabilities required in high-end warfighting.