07-2010 - Clarification of requirements for vessels arriving at non-proclaimed places

Who is affected by this notice?

Vessel masters and shipping agents for all vessels arriving at non-proclaimed Australian places from overseas will be affected by this notice.

Background

An 'Australian place' includes the following:

• Land that is part of a State or mainland Territory of Australia
• Ashmore and Cartier Islands Territory
• Indian Ocean Territories
• Anchorage within the Australian Territorial Sea (for the purposes of unloading/loading goods or cargo at the location)
• Resources installations attached to the Australian seabed and granted a ‘Release from Quarantine’

The master of any overseas vessel that intends to arrive at an Australian place that is not listed as a proclaimed first-port of entry under the Quarantine Proclamation 1998 must seek approval prior to arriving at that place (Quarantine Act 1908, s.20AA). The list of proclaimed Australian first-ports of entry can be found at First Port of Entry into Australia

What are the requirements?

The master of an overseas vessel (or their shipping agent) must submit a request for approval to arrive at a non-proclaimed place to the AQIS Seaports Program in Canberra at least 10 working days prior to the arrival of the vessel.

To access the application form please click on the following link:

• Application for s20AA Permission to Enter an Australian Non-Proclaimed First Port of Entry and/or Application for s33 Permission to Enter Subsequent Ports of Call

All vessels greater than 25 metres arriving at any Australian place should note the following standard quarantine reporting requirements:

• Quarantine Pre-Arrival Report (eQPAR or QPAR) between 96-12 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel
• Ballast Water Management Summary between 96-12 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel

AQIS reserves the right to board and inspect all vessels visiting an Australian place. All costs associated with the inspection (including transport and accommodation, if required) are the responsibility of the vessel owner.

Please note also those overseas vessels intending to visit a subsequent port that is a non-proclaimed Australian place must notify AQIS via the Application for s33 Permission to Enter Subsequent Ports of Call.

Implementation Date:

These requirements are to be implemented immediately.

Further information:

Further information about vessel reporting requirements is available on the AQIS webpage Operator Guidelines for vessels 25 metres and greater.

Should you require specific information about particular ports or places, please feel free to contact the Seaports Program on 02 6272 5557.

[Signed]

Stephen Tognolini
A/g National Manager
Seaports Program
3 December 2010