The mission of the Museum is to conserve North Queensland's maritime heritage and to present and interpret collections of historic objects and information for the enjoyment of and appreciation by all patrons, sponsors and visitors. The Museum's historic themes include indigenous Australian populations and the sea, the exploration of Australia by European mariners, fishing, whaling, pearling, the labour trade involving South Sea Islanders, shipping, the development of the Port of Townsville, tourism on the Great Barrier Reef, water-based recreation, shipwrecks, safety at sea and the world wars and other regional maritime conflicts. One of the most significant items in the collection is the Royal Australian Navy's Fremantle Class Patrol Boat, HMAS Townsville. The Museum is run by a non-for-profit company with a Board of Directors, a Managing Curator and a number of volunteers.