Altaf is a Master Mariner with 30 years experience in the shipping industry. He has more than 10 years command experience in modern bulk carriers and container vessels and also served as marine surveyor for various organisations in Australia. Before joining Port of Portland as Marine Pilot and Assistant Harbour Master on 1 October 2006 he was working as Search and Rescue Officer for AMSA in Canberra.

Altaf holds a Diploma in Management from the Nautical Institute, U.K. and a Diploma for Harbour Master with a Distinction from Lloyds Maritime Academy, U.K.