AQIS requirements for vessels

Vessels entering Australia could unknowingly carry unwanted pests and diseases that can threaten our unique flora and fauna, our aquaculture and agricultural industries as well as human health. To help prevent the spread of pests and diseases, Australia's quarantine laws are among the strictest in the world.

What is the risk to Australia?

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 in port. The spread and damage could be devastating to Australia's rural industries and human health.

The major risks from vessels entering Australia are:

• disease carrying rodents and mosquitoes
• animals (including pets) and plants on board
• ballast water contamination
• marine pests
• handling of vessel's waste
• insect infestations such as khapra beetle and Asian gypsy moth
• passengers potentially carrying diseases such as Yellow fever and Dengue fever
• personal effects from crew and passengers.

AQIS requirements—what you need to do

You can assist in the quarantine inspection process by complying with Australia's quarantine laws and correctly completing declarations.

There are several steps vessel Masters can take to assist in the process:

• enter a first port of entry (proclaimed port)
• apply for quarantine clearance 12–96 hours before entering Australian waters using the Quarantine Pre-Arrival Report for Vessels (pratique) form
• meet all ballast water reporting requirements
• declare all deaths and illnesses on board your vessel
• declare all animals on board and follow the directions of the AQIS officer
• keep your vessel free of rodent, mosquito and insect infestation
• keep all waste properly secured in designated bins
• do not throw any foodstuffs or garbage overboard while in Australian waters
• do not trade foodstuffs with overseas vessels
• on arrival in Australia, don't allow any crew or passengers to leave or board the vessel unless an AQIS officer has given permission to do so.

Fees and charges will apply to all inspections. Charges are determined by the amount of time involved to complete the inspection.

More information

Website
Phone: 1800 020 504 (free call in Australia)
Email