15 May 2023
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise that information and engagement forums will be held in preparation for the commencement of the Accredited Grain Surveyor Assurance (AGSA) scheme on 1 July 2023.
Summary of changes and key points
- From 1 July 2023, marine surveyors who perform bulk vessel surveys for grain exports must be accredited under the AGSA scheme.
- The scheme will be administered by the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS).
- To support the understanding of changes commencing 1 July 2023, we will hold 2 information and engagement sessions via Microsoft Teams on the following dates:
- Wednesday, 24 May 2023 at 1:00PM to 2:00PM AEST
- Friday, 26 May 2023 at 1:00PM to 2:00PM AEST.
- The information sessions aim to address any questions regarding the changes and provide a reminder of the upcoming legal and policy changes for marine surveyors and authorised officers (AOs) appointed with the job functions:
- BVI3001:1 Export inspection of empty bulk vessels – at berth; and
- BVI3001:2 Export inspection of empty bulk vessels – at protected anchorage.
- Both information sessions are open for all industry participants to attend, including marine surveyors, exporters, shippers, agents, bulk vessel inspection (BVI) AOs and departmental staff.
- To register your interest to attend a particular forum, please visit the event webpage and follow the prompts. Registration for each forum will close 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.
Background
The Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Rules 2021 (Plant Rules) set the requirements for the export of plants and plant products.
The integrity of Australian grain exports is protected by ensuring that ships’ holds are clean and structurally sound prior to loading. In addition to the work of the AOs who conduct bulk vessel inspections, marine surveyors make an important contribution to this assurance through their work. It is important for us to be confident in the qualifications held by marine surveyors.
On 1 January 2022, amendments were made to the Plant Rules to clarify the requirements for marine surveyors to be accredited to perform bulk vessel surveys. The amendments also set out the Secretary’s powers to suspend or revoke a bulk vessel approval where a marine surveyor’s certificate is not issued by a marine surveyor accredited under the AGSA scheme. On 1 July 2023, these amendments will take effect.
Further information is available on the AIMS website.
Marine surveyor responsibilities
- Marine surveyors will need to apply to AIMS for accreditation.
Note: AIMS members and non-members can apply. - There will be an initial application fee ($150) per marine surveyor.
- There will be an annual accreditation fee ($250) per marine surveyor.
- Marine surveyors must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance to a minimum amount of $1,000,000.
- Accreditation must be renewed annually.
- The names of accredited marine surveyors will be published in a list on the AIMS website, and surveyors will be issued identification cards.
Exporter and shipping company responsibilities
- From 1 July 2023, exporters and shipping companies must source accredited marine surveyors to perform bulk vessel surveys for the export of grain.
Authorised officer responsibilities
- From 1 July 2023, BVI AOs must confirm that the marine surveyor who surveyed the vessel is accredited under the AGSA scheme before accepting the marine surveyor certificate (or fitness to load certificate).
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email Plant Export Reform.
Rossana Carr
Acting Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch