Issue date 17 October 2002
AQIS is in the process of reviewing requirements and procedures for boarding vessels at sea. Pending the outcome of that review (and effective immediately) AQIS has suspended the practice in all but essential situations where there is a clear quarantine imperative to do so.
We cannot perceive a situation where boarding a vessel for the purposes of the Grain Export Program would be deemed essential and as such consider that all grain surveys should be conducted at berth.
Following the review we expect to be able to issue more comprehensive guidelines.
In the meantime if you are not sure about a specific circumstance in your region please contact the Grains section.