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. Australia accounts for approximately 10 per cent of the world’s biodiversity so it is important that the spread of pests and diseases is prevented - making Australia's quarantine laws among the strictest in the world.

AQIS ensures that all vessels arriving in Australia from overseas comply with International Health Regulations and ensures that all quarantine risk posed by the vessel is adequately managed. This is achieved by monitoring, assessing and managing the risks associated with vessels, crew, marine pests and ballast water of all international vessels arriving in Australia, including wharf surveillance activities.

Many types of vessels enter Australia. Our legislation manages them in two streams:

• Vessels 25 metres and greater
• • Commercial vessels – Barges, Military, Livestock, and Cruise vessels etc
  • Australian vessels returning to Australian waters from overseas
  • Offshore Installations
• Vessels less than 25 metres (recreational vessels such as Yachts).

As a cost-recovered organisation, AQIS must charge for all activities it undertakes to protect Australia’s biosecurity. A full list of fees associated with vessel quarantine services are set out in the Seaports’ fees guidelines.

More information on importing vessels as cargo and vessel passengers.