24 December 2020
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to all vessel masters and shipping agents who represent international non-commercial vessel arrivals for the purposes of Australian biosecurity clearance.
What has changed?
Non-commercial vessels, including leisure boats, yachts and superyachts, arriving in Australian territory from an overseas location must be aware of their obligations to keep Australia safe from COVID-19.
This also applies to non-commercial vessels that have been in contact with other international vessels.
What do you need to do?
- Review and the COVID Safe factsheet: Non-commercial vessels (yachts and private superyachts) biosecurity - Starting on the right tack.
- Comply with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment biosecurity rules and regulations.
Further information
Contact the department’s Maritime National Coordination Centre (MNCC) by email or phone 1300 004 605 (in Australia) or +61 8 8201 6185 (outside Australia).
Further information for international travellers can be found on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for international travellers page on the Department of Health’s website.
Vessel reporting requirements and the Biosecurity Act 2015
Vessel masters and shipping agents are reminded:
- To understand Australia’s biosecurity directions and conditions for arrival.
- Any changes in circumstances during the voyage in Australian waters, particularly changes to the human health of travellers, must be reported to the MNCC as soon as practicable.
- That a failure to report accurately or comply with a requirement under Australia’s Biosecurity Act 2015 may result in penalties, including infringement notices, civil penalties or criminal prosecutions.