30 January 2018
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to relevant shipping agents, international vessel masters and international vessel operators of roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels.
What has changed?
The heightened vessel surveillance window for BMSB has commenced. On 31 January 2018 the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) will commence the management of BMSB risk on ro-ro vessels arriving in Australia through the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS). This activity is expected to conclude at the end of the BMSB risk season, on 30 April 2018.
Ro-ro vessels arriving in an Australian seaport during the 2018 BMSB season will be risk assessed by the department to determine the need for a targeted BMSB inspection on arrival. All relevant vessels will be sent a BMSB questionnaire via MARS, as part of the pre-arrival reporting process.
Once the questionnaire is completed and returned to the Maritime National Coordination Centre (MNCC) and assessed, vessels will be notified via the Biosecurity Status Document if a targeted BMSB inspection is required as part of their first port arrival formalities.
Vessels found with suspected BMSB contamination during inspection may be directed to treat any cargo discharged at the first port. Further directions may be applied to treat the vessel prior to cargo discharge at a subsequent port.
Vessel masters should remain vigilant for exotic insects and report detections to the department. The department has developed a pest alert brochure to assist vessel masters and crew to detect hitchhiking pests of biosecurity concern, such as BMSB. More information about BMSB can be found on the departmental website.
The activities of assessment and inspection for seasonal pests, such as BMSB, are chargeable in accordance with the department’s Charging Guidelines.
Further information
If you require further information please contact the Maritime National Coordination Centre or phone +61 8 8201 6185 (overseas) or 1300 004 605 (in Australia).