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shipping industry advice notice 01/08 - new measure for controlling quarantine risk material (qrm) - advice to agents - seaports 01-08

shipping industry advice notice 01/08 - new measure for controlling quarantine risk material (qrm) - advice to agents - seaports 01-08

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Shipping Agents/Operators

On the 1st of April 2008, the Seaports Program will implement changes in procedures with regards to how Quarantine Risk Material (QRM) is managed onboard arriving international vessels.

Currently specific categories of QRM are subject to bonding arrangements, which means all relevant items are sealed and cannot be accessed while the vessel is in Australian ports or waters. New procedures will eliminate the need for physical bonding of these items and permit use of those items onboard the vessel while in Australian waters. The new method of managing all will be through the message of a written direction to vessel master’s that no QRM is to leave the vessel other than in the form of quarantine waste. Eliminating the practice of sorting, segregating and bonding specific categories of QRM will enable more time to be spent targeting other areas of risk and allow for a more thorough interview with the master to discuss requirements for managing QRM.

Non compliance with the written Direction is a breach under the Quarantine Act 1908. Penalties also apply for the unauthorised removal or defacing of, or interference with these notices.

A Quarantine Officers will place a notice (figure 1 below) in the store room or on the freezer space door to remind the crew of AQIS requirements.

Laminated signage will be posted on the gangway or security table of the vessel (figure 2 below) advising that no QRM is to leave the vessel. The AQIS office in your port will contact ship’s agents in relation to the use of gangway notices. AQIS intends to re-use the notices wherever possible.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact your AQIS Regional Office should you require any additional information.

This is an image of David Franks' signature.

David Franks
National Manager
Seaports Program
17th March 2008

This is an image of Figure 1 Freezer / Stores Notice.

Figure 1 Freezer / Stores Notice

This is an image of Figure 2 Gangway Notice.

Figure 2 Gangway Notice

Last reviewed:
22 Apr 2010
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