17 June 2020
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to all vessel masters and shipping agents who represent international commercial and non-commercial vessels for the purposes of Australian biosecurity clearance.
What has changed?
From 15 June 2020, the Port of Howe Island will become a Non-First Point of Entry (NFP) for vessel arrivals. It will remain a NFP for discharge. An industry advice notice has been published - 65-2020.
To accommodate this change, the department has revised the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS) pre-arrival reports and corresponding offline forms on the department’s website. Changes include updates to:
- Pre-arrival Report (PAR)
- Port list
- Shipping agency list
- Non-First Point of Entry (NFP) Application
- Port list
- Shipping agency list
- Ballast Water Report
- Shipping agency list
- Human Health Update
- Shipping agency list
- Domestic Risk Assessment Application
- Port list
- Shipping agency list.
What do you need to do?
Users of the MARS offline forms need to download the latest versions available from the department’s website. Using the most current version of forms will minimise errors when a user is submitting information into MARS. The offline forms have been updated for use from Wednesday 17 June 2020.
Where can you find the offline forms?
The updated offline forms are available on the department’s website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/avm/vessels/mars/mars-offline-forms
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).
Information and MARS supporting materials can be found on the department’s website under Vessels.
Vessel reporting requirements and the Biosecurity Act 2015
Vessel masters and shipping agents are reminded:
- To read and understand the Biosecurity Status Document (BSD) directions and conditions, and keep a copy of the current document on board the vessel for the duration of the voyage in Australia.
- Any changes in circumstances during the voyage in Australian waters, particularly changes to the human health of travellers, must be submitted via MARS or reported to the MNCC as soon as practicable.
- That a failure to report accurately or comply with a requirement under the Biosecurity Act may result in penalties, including infringement notices, civil penalties or criminal prosecutions.