18 October 2022
Who does this notice affect?
All vessel owners, operators, masters, and shipping agents who represent international commercial vessels, including cruise vessels for the purposes of Australian biosecurity clearance.
State and territory port operators and port authority entities across Australia.
All national and state government health officers.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, government maritime officers including Commonwealth’s Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) agency and state government’s Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).
What has changed?
A Quick Reference Guide (QRG) has been published on the MARS Communications and Training Materials webpage, to provide an explanation on the purpose and conditions outlined on a Biosecurity Status Document (BSD).
What do you need to do?
For instructions on how to gain access to the Maritime and Aircraft Reporting System (MARS) portal to view a BSD, please click link: QRG- Understanding the Biosecurity Status Document (BSD) and is available on the MARS Communications and Training Materials webpage. Information available within MARS is specific to the user access type.
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 version 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 traveler’s and crew, must be submitted via MARS or reported to the National Maritime Centre (NMC) as soon as practicable.
- 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.
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).
More details about Vessel Pratique are available on the department’s website.
See the Department of Health website: www.health.gov.au for the latest key contact information, travel advice and the collection of factsheets for industry and the general public (Resources) on Listed Human Diseases.
Detailed information in the Negative Pratique instrument.