Security strengthened for ports, oil & gas rigs and ships  

30 June 2010

Amendments to the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 designed to improve security at Australia’s ports and offshore oil and gas facilities will be introduced on 01 June 2010.

The changes strengthen the Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) scheme to better protect Australia’s maritime infrastructure from the threat of terrorism and other serious criminal acts.

From 1 July, new strengthened eligibility criteria will apply to all new applicants for an MSIC. The new rules apply to all individuals that require unescorted access to ports, offshore oil and gas facilities and Australian security regulated ships. These changes are required to respond to the current maritime security environment.

From 1 December 2010, the amended regulations will:

•    require all MSIC holders to undergo compulsory criminal history background checks and an ASIO security assessment every two years;
•    create a new offence to prosecute MSIC holders who fail to advise their card-issuing body or Auscheck of changes to their criminal record; and
•    create a new offence to prosecute MSIC issuing bodies that fail to suspend or cancel an MSIC when directed to do so by Auscheck or the Department.

back to news