Elsewhere on DAFF
Frequently asked questions
1. I’m importing my vessel into Australia – what do I need to do?
You will need to notify the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) of your intention to import a vessel prior to arrival. Contact details of AQIS regional offices are available on the AQIS website.
AQIS requirements are to ensure that any biosecurity risks associated with the vessel are identified and managed. The risk of imported vessels is assessed on the basis of the travel history of the vessel, the amount of timber on board, age of the vessel whether it has been repaired or refitted, the complexity of construction and limited access for timber inspections.
2. What constitutes a high risk vessel?
High risk vessels are those that have more than a basic amount of timber in the construction and fit-out (e.g. beams, bearers, hull, decking, railings, cabins and/or masts) AND have been either manufactured/re-fitted in its history OR spent three or more months (cumulative) in high risk countries.
As examples, AQIS considers high risk vessels to include (but are not restricted to):
- older style yachts or other vessels with timber masts and timber hulls
- some fibreglass hulled vessels with extensive solid timber and/or marine ply internal fit-outs (such as solid timber and ply framing used under flooring, ceilings and walls).
A high risk vessel is also ANY vessel with evidence to suggest active termite infestations.
High risk vessels are required to undergo a timber inspection. The nature and type of inspection required will be determined by AQIS on the documents presented on arrival, and will be assessed according to the complexity of the vessel.
3. What is a high risk country?
For vessels, a high risk country is one that presents a high biosecurity risk for exotic drywood termite infestation.
4. How far back must my sailing history and refit documentation go?
Minimum 10 years or for the life of the vessel (if less than 10 years old). For more information on AQIS’s requirements please refer to the AQIS Import Condition database (ICON).
5. I have an overseas registered vessel. I sailed it to Australia 6 months ago and I now wish to import the vessel. How do I arrange for an inspection to be undertaken and how much will it cost?
The import process is the same as outlined above. You can arrange a vessel inspection by contacting an AQIS regional office.
Any applicable fees and charges are set out in the AQIS Fees and Charging guidelines.
Contact the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to obtain information on duties and tax payable.
6. What is involved in a vessel inspection?
AQIS officers will perform risk assessments based on documentation and/or inspection to determine if your vessel is low risk or high risk.
Low risk vessels may be released if no other quarantine intervention is required.
High risk vessels will be required an inspection which may include:
- visual timber inspection/ confirmation by an AQIS or inspector or AQIs entomologist
- timber vessel inspection by an AQIS accredited supplier of termite detector dog services, with or without an AQIS officer in attendance
- timber vessel inspection by an AQIS accredited supplier of alternative termite detection services with an AQIS accredited timber vessel inspector or AQIS entomologist in attendance
- treatment using an AQIS approved method.
7. Who are the AQIS accredited suppliers for termite detection detector dog services?
Accredited supplier are companies who have obtained accreditation from AQIS to provide detector dog services for termite detection.
8. How much does it cost to have a detector dog inspection?
Enquiries relating to the costs of this service are obtained from the provider. AQIS is unable to provide this information.
9. I've already had a pratique inspection and my vessel was deemed to be low risk. Do I require any further AQIS inspections?
If you are not importing your vessel, and intend to leave Australian waters within 12 months, your vessel may not require any further AQIS inspections. However, your vessel remains subject to quarantine while it’s in Australian waters and if the need arises may be subject to inspection.
If you are not importing your vessel, but wish to stay in Australian waters after 12 months, you will require an additional AQIS inspection.
If you do subsequently decide to import the vessel, you will require an additional inspection at the time of importation.
10. My vessel is from overseas and I only want to sail around Australia for two years so why do I have to have another timber inspection in 12 months?
During the pratique inspection, your vessel was deemed to present a high risk due to one or more of the reasons outlined in question six. Due to this high risk status, if your vessel has not departed Australian waters after a 12 month period the vessel will require a full inspection as outlined in the import conditions on ICON.
11. My vessel is registered in Australia and I'm just returning from an overseas voyage - I'm not returning to Australia permanently so will I have to get a termite inspection?
A timber assessment will be carried out on returning Australian vessels by the AQIS officer during the pratique inspection just like any other vessel entering Australian waters. The inspection will determine whether the vessel presents a low or high biosecurity risk for exotic timber pests. If the vessel presents a low risk, no further inspections are required and the vessel will be issued with a Certificate of Pratique. If the vessel presents a high risk, a Time Limited Pratique will be issued and further inspections will be carried out by AQIS if the vessel remains in Australian waters for 12 months or longer.
12. What do I do if I find termites on my yacht?
Immediately contact your local AQIS office or notify the AQIS Air & Sea Cargo Program via e-mail for advice.
13. How could a termite get onto my boat?
There are two main pathways through which termites can infest vessels:
- Infested timber used in construction or refit, or
- Termites flying onto a vessel.
14. Do I need to prepare the vessel in any way prior for an AQIS inspection?
In order to make the AQIS inspection process more efficient, it is important that the vessel is prepared in such a way that makes it accessible for inspection. For example:
- The vessel should be secured in such a way that prevents excessive movement during the inspection
- Remove all hazardous items
- Access needs to be provided to all timber surfaces
- Remove all panels, stored food, personal effects and other equipment from lockers/cupboards
15. Who do I call to find out further information?
Please contact the AQIS Air & Sea Cargo Program or call free call 1800 020 504 (within Australia) or 02 6272 3933.
17 Oct 2011