Commercial vessels

Plant, animal or human diseases can be transmitted from insects or rodents that are carried on vessels, or from pests escaping from the vessel while it is in port, which can pose a threat to Australia's rural industries and human health.

This is why all commercial vessels arriving in Australia from overseas, or that have been in contact with overseas vessels or sea installations, are required to comply with Australia’s quarantine laws and requirements. Vessels greater than 25 metres such as Barges, Bulk carriers, Container vessels, Cruise vessels, Dredges, Fishing vessels, Live-stock carriers, Military vessels and Tankers are all classed as commercial vessels.

The commercial vessel process is broken up into pre-arrival, arrival and post-arrival. Some vessels such as Barges, Cruise vessels, Military vessels, and Live-stock carriers have additional requirements that must be met.

Upon arrival at an Australian Port an inspection of the vessel may be conducted to assess and manage any potential quarantine risks. These risks include: human health; food stores and waste; Ballast water; Marine pests (biofouling); animals; plants and insects.

Where an inspection does not meet AQIS’s standards additional directions or corrective actions will be issued.

Once a vessel meets AQIS requirements it is issued with pratique – signalling it has cleared quarantine. In addition to AQIS, State and Territory governments also have quarantine requirements.

General information on quarantine requirements for all vessels 25 metres and greater entering an Australian port or waters, can be found in Quarantine Requirements for vessels 25 metres and greater arriving in Australia.

Further information you need to know regarding commercial vessels arriving in Australia can be found by clicking on the left hand side tabs under Commercial vessels.