2 August 2022
Who does this notice affect?
All vessel owners, operators, master’s, and shipping agents who represent international commercial vessels, including cruise vessels for the purposes of Australian biosecurity clearance.
What has changed?
The Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS) Pre-Arrival Report (PAR) offline form for commercial vessels has been revised. An issue was identified with the Biosecurity tab of the PAR which has now been rectified. The revised form will replace the one that was published on Friday 29 July 2022, the version number has not change. Please ensure you download version 111 for usage from today.
What do you need to do?
As an alternative to direct MARS access, vessel masters or officers use offline forms where there is limited or unreliable internet connectivity to meet pre-arrival reporting obligations.
The MARS PAR offline form has been updated on the MARS offline forms webpage, for use immediately. Vessel masters and shipping agents should make sure to use the updated PAR to avoid errors and delays when submitting into MARS.
Further information
Contact the department’s National Maritime Centre (NMC) 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 MARS communications and training materials.