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Pre Arrival:  Charts | Documents | ISPS
Arrival:  Pilotage | DS Pilots
Communications:  Pratique | Pre-Arrival | VTS/Radar
Pollution:  Ballast | Pollution
Security:  Emergency | Regs
Local Info:  Time | Holidays | Weather
Shore:  Customs
Crew:  Repatriation | ID Cards
Report:  Report
General Information for Australia
Geo-political:
Capital City: Canberra. 35° 16.00′ S, 149° 08.00′ E
Nationality: (noun) Australian(s), (adjective) Australian.
Population: 25,466,459 (July 2020).
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 61.
Number of Internal Airports: 418 (2020).
Major Languages Spoken: English 72.7%, Mandarin 2.5%, Arabic 1.4%, Cantonese 1.2%, Vietnamese 1.2%, Italian 1.2%, Greek 1% and others 14.8%.
Economy:
Currency: 1 Australian Dollar (AUD) of 100 Cents.
Exchange Rates:  (as of November 2020)
USD 1.00 = AUD 1.43
AUD 1.00 = USD 0.70
Exchange rates under licence from XE.com
Main Industries: Mining, industrial, transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals and steel.
Agricultural Products: Wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits, cattle, sheep and poultry.
Imports: Motor vehicles, refined petroleum, telecommunication equipment, parts, crude petroleum, medicaments, goods vehicles, gold and computers.
Exports: Iron ore, coal, gold, natural gas, beef, aluminum ores, conc, wheat, meat (excluding beef), wool, alumina and alcohol.
Commodities: Crude: Production 284,000 bbl/d. Exports 192,500 bbl/d. Imports 341,700 bbl/d. Reserves 1,821,000,000 bbl. Products: Production 462,500 bbl/d. Exports 64,120 bbl/d. Imports 619,600 bbl/d. LNG: Production 105,200,000,000 cu.m.. Exports 67,960,000,000 cu.m.. Imports 5,776,000,000 cu.m.. Reserves 1,989,000,000,000 cu.m..
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Contiguous Zone: Contiguous Zone: 24 n.m. Continental Shelf: 200 n.m. Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 25,760 km.
Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north.
Natural Resources: Alumina, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, rare earth elements, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas and petroleum; note - Australia is the world's largest net exporter of coal accounting for 29% of global coal exports.
Natural Hazards: Cyclones along the coast, severe droughts, forest fires and volcanic activity on Heard and McDonald Islands.
Terrain: Mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast.
Average Temperatures: 
Month High Low
January 28° C 13° C
June 11° C 1° C
September 17° C 3° C
CHARTS:  Nautical charts and publications are issued by the Australian Hydrographic Office. Chart index and issued Notices to Mariners available online at www.hydro.gov.au
DOCUMENTS:  Customs Procedures:  First port arrivals, vessel's Master or owner is required to provide Australian Border Force (ABF) with a notice of the ship's impending arrival. An impending arrival report can be made by document or sent electronically. The impending arrival report must include the estimated date of arrival of the ship at the first Australian port or any subsequent port that the ship intends to visit.
Ships carrying cargo must communicate the impending arrival report, actual arrival report and cargo reports to ABF electronically. All goods intended to be unloaded from the ship or remaining on board must be reported. Ships not carrying cargo may report information manually or electronically to ABF.
Shipping representatives or Agents in Australia can also assist with how to meet electronic reporting obligations determined by ABF legislation.
The following forms should be lodged with ABF, via Agent, 96 hours (unless advised below) before vessel’s arrival. It is recommended that forms are submitted to Agent as soon as possible, but no later than 5 days before arrival:
1 Crew Report (Australian Customs Form 3)
1 Ship’s Particulars
1 Ship Pre-Arrival Report (Australian Customs Form 13)
To be presented to Customs on arrival:
1 Crew Effects Declaration (Australian Customs Form b465)
1 Crew Report (Australian Customs Form 3)
1 Ports of Call list
1 Ship Pre-Arrival Report (Australian Customs Form 13)
1 Stores List (Australian Customs Form 5-4)
Forms are available to download at: www.abf.gov.au/help-and-support/forms#
Penalties for non-compliance with Australia's border legislation can be severe. If there are any doubts whether goods on board require a permit or special conditions, vessel is advised to contact the Customs Information and Support Centre. www.abf.gov.au
Cruise Ships:  Cruise ships are subject to customs, immigration and biosecurity controls when entering and/or departing Australia. This includes requiring permission to enter an Australian Non-Proclaimed First port of Entry and/or to enter subsequent ports of call. Maritime Traveller Processing Committee approval is required for cruise ships wanting to enter seaports other than the ports of: Sydney; Melbourne; Brisbane (excluding Tangalooma); Cairns (excluding Yorkeys Knob); Port Adelaide; Darwin; Fremantle; Hobart. Cruise ships wanting to arrive, depart or visit any other seaports (including Tangalooma and Yorkeys Knob) must submit a Maritime Traveller Processing Committee application.
www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-and-leaving-by-sea
Also see Pre-Arrival Information and Repatriation.
ISPS COMPLIANCE:  Ports of entry within the country are ISPS compliant.
Department of Home Affairs. www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Also see Identification Cards.
PILOTAGE:  Pilot Transfer Arrangements:  Australia strictly observes the international regulations and recommendations for Pilot Transfer Arrangements. The following apply:
SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 23.
IMO Resolution A 1045 (27).
Where vessels present noncompliant Pilot Transfer Arrangements for boarding they are likely to be denied entry to a port until the deficiencies are rectified.
DEEP SEA PILOTAGE:  See Torres Strait.
PRATIQUE:  See Pre-Arrival Information.
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION:  All commercial vessels must now use the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS) for all vessel pre-arrival reporting. Full details and online access to MARS is available at www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/avm/vessels
Biosecurity Reporting Obligations:  Pre-arrival information, and changes, for maritime conveyances (vessels) must be reported in a form approved by the Director of Biosecurity, which is MARS. Electronic offline forms can be used where there is limited connectivity, but they do not constitute the approved form. Your reporting obligations are met once your information has been submitted in MARS.
Vessel Operator Responsibilities:  The operator of the vessel is obligated to report information accurately in accordance with Section 193 of the Biosecurity Act 2015. This information must be lodged in MARS no later than 12 hours prior to arrival.
Shipping Agent Responsibilities:  Where the vessel operator uses a shipping agent, the agent is responsible for lodgement of accurate and timely information into MARS. The agent must ensure that this information is a true and correct representation of the reports provided by the vessel operator, and that any changes have been confirmed with the operator.
Any changes in circumstances during the voyage in Australian waters must be reported to the department as soon as practicable.
Pre-Arrival Report (PAR):  The PAR must be completed by a vessel Master or agent. It notifies the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestrty of impending vessel arrivals to Australia. The information collected on the PAR is used to assess the biosecurity risk of the vessel. PAR must be submitted via MARS between 96 and 12 hours before the estimated time of arrival of the vessel at the Australian border. The PAR covers vessel’s particulars, arrival details, sanitation, human health and biosecurity.
The Itinerary Update Form is for agents and Masters to advise the department of changes to a vessel’s itinerary for a voyage. Use this form for changes after a PAR has already been submitted, for changes to a vessel’s subsequent port itinerary. Masters and agents to complete this form and send to the National Maritime Centre (NMC) to action. [email protected]
Ballast Water Report (BWR):  BWR must be completed by the Master of the vessel prior to arrival in Australian territory, if intending to discharge ballast using a Ballast Water Management System (BWMS). The BWR is to be submitted via MARS no later than 12 hours before a vessel enters Australia.
BWR can be accessed either from the Submit Applications drop down menu or by clicking on the Ballast Water Report shortcut on the MARS application. Ballast Water Reports may be completed manually in MARS by direct data entry or by uploading an XML data file.
Vessels must retain all ballast water reports and any relevant vessel logbooks for a period of two years, and make these available to biosecurity officers on request.
Also see Ballast.
Entry to Australian Ports:  Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, vessels that are subject to biosecurity control must enter Australian ports at a first point of entry, unless permission has been granted to the Master or Agent by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to enter a non-first point of entry (under subsection 247(b) of the Act).
Plants, animals and other kinds of goods may only be landed at certain points. International vessels must comply with the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the First Point of Entry Biosecurity Determinations 2016 when entering an Australian port.
First Point of Entry Ports are: Albany; Ardrossan; Botany Bay; Bowen; Brisbane; Broome; Bundaberg; Bunbury; Burnie; Cairns; Carnavon; Christmas Island; Cocos (Keeling) Islands; Coffs Harbour; Dampier; Darwin; Derby; Devonport; Eden; Esperance; Exmouth; Freemantle; Geelong; Geraldton; Gladstone; Hay Point; Hobart; Launceston; Lord Howe Island; Lucinda; Mackay; Melbourne; Melville Bay; Milner Bay; Newcastle; Port Adelaide; Port Alma; Port Bonython; Port Giles; Port Hedland; Port Huon; Port Kembla; Port Kennedy; Port Latta; Port Lincoln; Port Pirie; Port Walcott; Portland; Spring Bay; Stanley; Sydney; Thevenard; Townsville; Wallaroo; Weipa; Westernport; Whyalla; Wyndham; Yamba.
Contact:  National Maritime Centre. T: + 1300 004 605 (inside Australia) T: +61 (8) 8201 6185. (outside Australia). [email protected] www.agriculture.gov.au
VTS/RADAR:  MASTREP:  The Modernised Australian Ship Tracking and Reporting System (MASTREP) is a ship reporting system designed to contribute to safety of life at sea. Participation in MASTREP is mandatory for certain vessels and others are encouraged to participate.
The MASTREP system is used to track vessels in the Australian SAR region (SRR) through automatic identification system (AIS) technology; MASTREP is a passive ship reporting system and does not involve shore to vessel communications.
Vessels that must report to MASTREP are: 
  1. foreign vessels from the arrival at its first port in Australia until its departure from its final port in Australia
  2. all regulated Australian vessels while in the MASTREP area.
All other vessels are strongly encouraged to report to MASTREP voluntarily even where it is not mandated. Domestic commercial vessels fitted with GMDSS and AIS technology are also encouraged to participate.
MASTREP uses Position Reports, which must be transmitted by AIS in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Chapter 5, Regulation 19.2.4.
Position Reports must include the following information: 
  1. identity
  2. type
  3. position
  4. course
  5. speed
  6. navigational status
  7. safety related information.
The Master of a vessel must report any malfunction of the vessel’s AIS equipment to JRCC Australia ( I: +61 26279. 5774. F: +61 (2) 6230 6868. [email protected] ).
MASTREP guide is available to view and download at www.amsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/mastrep-guide.pdf
MASTREP Coverage Area:  The area of coverage is identical for both MASTREP and the SRR. Coordinates of this area are:
  1. the coast of the Antarctic continent in Long. 075° 00′ E, thence
  2. 06° 00.00′ S, 075° 00.00′ E
  3. 02° 00.00′ S, 078° 00.00′ E
  4. 02° 00.00′ S, 092° 00.00′ E
  5. 12° 00.00′ S, 107° 00.00′ E
  6. 12° 00.00′ S, 123° 20.00′ E
  7. 09° 20.00′ S, 126° 50.00′ E
  8. 07° 00.00′ S, 135° 00.00′ E
  9. 09° 50.00′ S, 139° 40.00′ E
  10. 09° 50.00′ S, 141° 00.00′ E
  11. 09° 37.00′ S, 141° 01.10′ E
  12. 09° 08.00′ S, 143° 53.00′ E
  13. 09° 24.00′ S, 144° 13.00′ E
  14. 12° 00.00′ S, 144° 00.00′ E
  15. 12° 00.00′ S, 155° 00.00′ E
  16. 14° 00.00′ S, 155° 00.00′ E
  17. 14° 00.00′ S, 161° 15.00′ E
  18. 17° 40.00′ S, 163° 00.00′ E
  19. thence to the coast of the Antarctic continent in Long. 163° 00′ E.
Reef VTS:  The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (Reef VTS) monitors vessel traffic in the region to prevent collisions or incidents. The area has high environmental significance and is protected by a range of national and international measures.
Reef VTS is a coastal VTS dedicated to the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait region. Reef VTS operations are split into Reef North and Reef South, at latitude 18° 00.00' S, coinciding with the regional boundary between the Cairns and Townsville regions. Services are delivered from the VTS centres in Townsville and Gladstone with each centre maintaining a capability to manage both the North and South sectors at all times.
Vessel Masters need to work with the Reef VTS operators to ensure safe operation of vessels in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait region. Masters are expected to make the best use of Reef VTS information and services when making navigational decisions.
Vessels operating in the Reef VTS area should acknowledge information from Reef VTS when asked and must respond quickly to enquiries.
Masters are expected to: 
  1. adhere to Reef VTS reporting requirements
  2. respond to all warnings and advice from Reef VTS
  3. contact Reef VTS if they identify a hazardous situation that may impact on the navigational safety of others.
The Master of a vessel is always responsible for the way the vessel is operated and manoeuvred, and its safe navigation under all circumstances.
Communications:  To communicate with Reef VTS, you need to use English and the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases through either:
  1. Inmarsat C satellite system, which allows 2-way, text-based communication between a vessel and Reef VTS
  2. VHF radio, which allows voice communication between vessels and the shore within the Reef VTS region.
Depending on a vessel’s position, you can contact Reef VTS, call sign “Reef VTS”, on VHF Channels 11 or 14 24 hours a day. If you cannot communicate with Reef VTS using Inmarsat C or the VHF working channel, you must communicate by: 
  1. T: +61 1300 72129.
  2. [email protected]
  3. [email protected]
Mandatory Reporting:  The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Ship Reporting System (REEFREP) is a key part of Reef VTS. It requires all vessels, including those on overseas, interstate or intrastate voyages, to identify themselves and what their intended passage is through the region. The vessel can then be tracked as it moves through the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.
Vessels must provide the following reports: 
  1. Entry Report
  2. Final Report.
When applicable, vessels must also provide these reports: 
  1. Intermediate Position Reports
  2. Route Deviation Report
  3. Defect Report.
The following vessel types must report to Reef VTS: 
  1. vessels with LOA 50 m. or more
  2. oil tankers, liquefied gas carriers or chemical tankers
  3. vessels involved in towing or pushing one of these vessels
  4. vessels involved in a towing or pushing operation when the overall length of the tow is more than 150 m. (measured from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow).
Other vessels moving through the Reef VTS area may voluntarily report. The following vessels are encouraged, but not required, to report to Reef VTS: 
  1. warships
  2. naval auxiliary vessels
  3. government owned or operated vessels.
Reef VTS user guide and VHF channel overview is available to view and download at www.msq.qld.gov.au/shipping/reefvts
BALLAST:  All vessels designed to carry ballast water are required to carry a valid Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP). A valid BWMP must be approved by either a survey authority, Classification Society, or the Administration of the vessel. For Australian flagged vessels, a management plan must be approved by the Director of Biosecurity, or an approved survey authority. BWMPs should be consistent with the Ballast Water Convention’s Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and Development of Ballast Water Management Plans (G4 Guidelines). Non-commercial vessels that are less than 400 g.t. are exempt from carrying a BWMP. Vessels with sealed tanks may also be eligible for an exemption upon application.
A Ballast Water Management Certificate (BWMC) is required for all vessels to which the Ballast Water Convention applies. The majority of Australian domestic vessels designed to carry ballast water will also need to obtain a BMWC; a BWMC verifies the vessel has been surveyed to a standard compliant with the Ballast Water Convention, and must be consistent with the format described in Appendix I of the Ballast Water Convention (not reproduced). A statement of fact, or a certificate of compliance, is also accepted for vessels flagged to an administration that is not party to the Ballast Water Convention. A valid BWMC must be issued by either a survey authority, classification society, or the administration of the vessel, and be in accordance with Regulation E‐1 of the Ballast Water Convention. For Australian flagged vessels, a management certificate must be issued by the Director of Biosecurity, or an approved survey authority.
Ballast Water Reporting: 
International Vessels:  Vessels that are intending to discharge internationally sourced ballast water must submit a Ballast Water Report through MARS at least 12 hours prior to arrival; however, to prevent the discharge of high risk ballast, even vessels not intending to discharge ballast water are strongly encouraged to manage their ballast water, and submit a Ballast Water Report.
The Ballast Water Report will be assessed by the department through MARS, and a response will be issued through the Biosecurity Status Document. The Ballast Water Report should be updated if the ballast water situation changes on board.
Following the first point of arrival, international vessels may uptake Australian sourced ballast water for discharge later in Australia or overseas. The movement of Australian sourced ballast water between Australian ports is prohibited unless it has been managed, or a low risk exemption has been provided by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
Vessels can request discharge of Australian sourced ballast water by resubmitting their Ballast Water Report with an updated status about their ballast water tanks. This must occur prior to arrival at the subsequent Australian port.
Domestic Vessels:  Domestic trading vessels that have been released from biosecurity control are still required to manage the movement of Australian sourced ballast water. All ballast water must be managed or receive a low risk exemption from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
Vessels can seek a low risk exemption through a Domestic Risk Assessment submitted through MARS. Exemptions will be granted for ballast water which is determined to be low risk based on the date and port of uptake and the date and port of discharge. Once submitted, a Domestic Risk Assessment Outcome document will be issued advising the vessel of the status of the exemption.
Vessel operators should be aware that seasonal changes will affect the outcome of risk based exemptions within Australian ports. Risk based exemptions for Australian sourced ballast water are only issued for a single voyage on the specified dates.
Vessel operators must retain evidence of the exemption notice on board, and may be required to present this on an inspection. If a risk based exemption is issued, the vessel is not required to manage the relevant ballast water prior to discharge at the port specified in the exemption.
Ballast Water Exchange:  Australia is implementing the agreed implementation schedule for the Ballast Water Convention that requires vessels to phase out ballast water exchange in favour of a method that is compliant with the D‐2 discharge standard. In order to achieve this, vessels will be required to install an IMO approved BWMS, or use one of the other approved methods of management. The approved methods of ballast water management are:
  1. use of a BWMS
  2. ballast water exchange conducted in an acceptable area
  3. use of low risk ballast water (such as fresh potable water, high seas water or fresh water from an onboard fresh water production facility)
  4. retention of high risk ballast water on board the vessel
  5. discharge to an approved ballast water reception facility.
Ballast water exchange is an approved method only for those vessels that are not yet required to meet the Convention’s Regulation D‐2 discharge standard. Ballast water exchange must be conducted to the equivalent of a 95% (or greater) volumetric exchange, using one of the acceptable methods of ballast water exchange. Acceptable ballast water exchange methods are:
  1. sequential exchange (empty/refill)
  2. flow‐through
  3. dilution.
Ballast water exchanges must be conducted as far from the nearest land as possible, and in all cases within an acceptable area. The safety of the vessel and crew are paramount, all safety considerations must be taken into account when conducting ballasting operations. The Master of the vessel must ensure that the ballast water exchange is conducted in accordance with the vessel’s ballast water management plan to ensure the method is appropriate to manage the risk of transferring pests whilst also ensuring the safety of the vessel and crew.
Acceptable Areas:  Ballast water exchange should be conducted in areas at least 12 n.m. from the nearest land and in water at least 50 m. deep. In addition, ballast water must not be exchanged within 12 n.m. of the Great Barrier Reef, or within the Ningaloo Reef ballast water exchange exclusion area. The waters within the following areas are considered Same Risk Areas and water may be taken up and discharged within these areas:
a) Gulf St. Vincent and the Spencer Gulf:
i. eastern boundary: River Murray Mouth (West Bank) 35° 33.44′ S, 138° 52.47′ E ; Intersection with edge of waters acceptable for BW exchange 35° 47.74′ S, 138° 52.51′ E
ii. southern boundary (east to west): intersection with edge of waters acceptable for BW exchange (east) 35° 50.54′ S, 138° 33.86′ E ; eastern end of Kangaroo Island 35° 50.48′ S, 138° 08.11′ E ; western end of Kangaroo Island 35° 52.49′ S, 136° 32.02′ E ; intersection with edge of waters acceptable for BW exchange (west) 35° 52.53′ S, 136° 12.49′ E
iii. western boundary: Cape Catastrophe 34° 59.15′ S, 136° 00.13′ E ; intersection with edge of waters acceptable for BW exchange 35° 39.80′ S, 136° 00.04′ E
b) Port Phillip Bay:
i. area inclusive of all waters north of the heads of Port Philip Bay; western boundary 38° 17.50′ S, 144° 36.90′ E ; eastern boundary 38° 18.11′ S, 144° 39.04′ E.
Vessels are not required to manage ballast water within the two designated Same Risk Areas.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park:  The ports within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and part of the Torres Strait, are known as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - Domestic Ballast Water Zone. This zone includes:
  1. all ports located within the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
  2. Weipa
  3. all ports located within the boundaries of the Torres Strait Islands
  4. Bundaberg.
Vessels must abide by additional requirements when conducting ballast water operations within this zone. This applies only to vessels utilising ballast water exchange as their primary method of ballast water management. When a vessel is required to meet the discharge standard under Regulation D‐2 of the Convention and Australia’s ballast water requirements the vessel's ballast water must be managed in accordance with the Ballast Water Management Plan.
Ballast water management operations must occur prior to entering the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - Domestic Ballast Water Zone, if you plan to discharge water sourced externally at a port within the zone. Vessel operators are not required to manage ballast water sourced within the zone if:
  1. their vessel uses ballast water exchange as their primary method of ballast water management, and
  2. the ballast water was taken up in the zone, and
  3. ballast water exchange is the only practicable ballast water management method available.
Low-risk Ballast Water:  A tank is considered to contain low-risk ballast water if at least 95% of the ballast water in that tank is from a low-risk source. Tanks containing less than 95% low-risk water will be considered high risk, and will need to be managed. Low risk ballast water can be considered as:
  1. fresh potable water sourced from a municipal water supply or from an on board desalination system. Documentation will be required to confirm the source of any potable water otherwise the ballast water will be considered high risk, and must be managed by an acceptable method outlined in this document prior to discharge in Australian seas
  2. water that has been taken up on the high seas, or international waters. This includes water that is greater than 12 n.m. from any land mass and in water that is greater than 50 m. deep
  3. water taken up and discharged within the same place provided that the water comprises 95% or greater of the volume of water in the tank. The same place is considered to be within the port limits of the same port, or within 1 n.m. of the point of uptake. Water taken up and discharged in an area defined as a Same Risk Area is also considered low risk and does not need further management.
Retention of High Risk Water:  Operators may choose to retain high risk water within a ballast water tank if there is no intention to discharge the water in Australian seas; however, carrying high risk ballast water into Australian seas is strongly discouraged, as a vessel’s itinerary may change, or discharge may be necessary in the case of safety or pollution considerations.
Offshore Installations:  Vessels arriving at an offshore oil and gas installation within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) must manage their ballast water in accordance with one of the acceptable methods of ballast water management, prior to arrival. Vessels using ballast water exchange that are arriving in Australia’s EEZ from a port outside of Australia, the ballast water exchange must be conducted consistent with the requirements outlined above (see Ballast Water Exchange).
Vessels that operate between offshore oil and gas installations and Australian ports are also required to manage their ballast water before arrival at the installation and Australian port. The acceptable area for a ballast water exchange between an installation and an Australian port is in sea areas that are no closer than 500 m. from the offshore installation, and no closer than 12 n.m. from the nearest land. If any vessels are unable to achieve these ballast water exchange requirements, they must contact the National Maritime Centre (NMC) for further advice. T: +1300 004 605 (inside Australia) T: +61 (8) 8201 6185. (outside Australia). [email protected] www.agriculture.gov.au
Ballast Tank Sediment:  Sediment must be disposed of in an area outside 200 n.m. from the nearest land, and in at least a depth of 200 m., or at an approved land-based reception facility. Eductors are not permitted to strip ballast tanks in Australian seas, unless a vessel seeks permission to discharge sediment to a reception facility. The discharge of sediment is permitted if:
  1. it is necessary for ensuring the safety of the vessel in an emergency or saving life at sea, or
  2. if the discharge is accidental and results from damage to the vessel or its equipment
  3. where all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent or minimise the discharge
  4. for the purposes of minimising pollution.
The department must be contacted with details of the disposal within 24 hours of the vessels crew becoming aware of the disposal.
For full details, Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements (latest version) is available at www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/aircraft-vessels-military/vessels/marine-pest-biosecurity/ballast
POLLUTION:  Australia implements a range of standards and regulations to protect the marine environment from pollution. These standards and regulations ensure international obligations are met. You must comply with these regulations and report marine pollution incidents. Full details available on the Australian Maritime Safety Authority website.
www.amsa.gov.au/marine-environment/marine-pollution
If vessel is required to make a mandatory MARPOL report about a pollution incident, notify AMSA without delay, advising:
  1. name of ship/s involved
  2. time, type and location of incident
  3. quantity and type of harmful substance
  4. assistance and salvage measures
  5. any other relevant information.
Reports can be made by any of the following means:
T: +61 (2) 6230 6811. or freecall within Australia 1800 641 792.
F: +61 (2) 6230 6868.
[email protected]
Inmarsat C: using Special Access Code (SAC) 39 (note that Inmarsat-C Transceivers required to be logged in and reports sent via LES Codes 312 in IOR and 212 in POR) DSC: HF DSC MMSI 005030001.
You should also notify the local port or maritime authority if your ship is in port or in coastal waters at the time of an incident.
Also see Ballast.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTRE:  Australian Maritime Safety Authority provides search and rescue capability in Australia. Full details available at www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/search-and-rescue
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra can be contacted throughtout 24 hours via:
T: +61 (2) 6230 6811. or freecall within Australia 1800 641 792.
F: +61 (2) 6230 6868.
[email protected]
Inmarsat C: using Special Access Code (SAC) 39 (note that Inmarsat-C Transceivers required to be logged in and reports sent via LES Codes 312 in IOR and 212 in POR) DSC: HF DSC MMSI 005030001.
Also see Pollution.
REGULATIONS:  Regulations and standards for vessels can be found at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority website.
www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/regulations-and-standards-vessels
HOLIDAYS:  1 January (New Year's Day); Australia Day; Good Friday; day after Good Friday; Easter Sunday; Easter Monday; 25 April (Anzac Day); 25 December (Christmas Day); 26 December (Boxing Day). All other public holidays, such as King’s Birthday and Labour Day, are individually declared by the state and territory governments.
www.australia.gov.au/public-holidays
WEATHER/TIDES:  TIDES:  Tsunami Effect:  North, west and east coasts of Australia are bordered by active tectonic plates which are capable of generating a tsunami that could reach the coastline within two to four hours. Resultant change in swell height could have an adverse effect on a vessel with min. UKC navigating within or close to port areas. The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) has been established to monitor earthquake activity that may lead to a tsunami forming. Warnings are currently issued for the Pacific Ocean region by the Australian Tsunami Warning System, Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) in Hawaii and for the Indian Ocean region by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Mariners are advised to take heed of such warnings, plan their bar crossings and tend their mooring or anchorages accordingly.
CUSTOMS:  At first port of call in Australia, each crew member is allowed duty free 250 cigarettes (or equivalent in tobacco products), one bottle of spirits (not exceeding 1.125 litres).
REPATRIATION:  Visas:  Maritime Crew Visa:  A Maritime Crew Visa (subclass 988) is required for foreign crew on non-military ships on international voyages to enter Australia by sea (or air in conjunction with a Transit Visa). You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa and be an articled (or to be an articled) crew member. It is also for the partner or dependent child of a foreign crew member.
Articled crew members include:
  1. people under contract or subcontract to work on a ship while it is at sea
  2. people doing scientific research on a research ship owned by a foreign government
  3. crew members on board a petroleum export tanker undertaking an international voyage (e.g. departing from an overseas port, recovering product from an offshore production and/or storage facility for export, and departing directly for an overseas port).
The ship must either be:
  1. used for commercial trading
  2. used for carrying paying passengers
  3. owned and operated by a foreign government to do scientific research
  4. approved for 'public vessel status' by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  5. imported or brought to Australia for sale and was registered in the Australian International Shipping Register but has ceased to be registered and you do not leave Australia within five days, obtain another type of visa or sign on to another non-military ship in that time.
Transit Visa:  A Transit Visa ordinarily allows a person to enter Australia and stay for no longer than 72 hours before leaving by air or sea; however, Maritime Crew Visa (subclass 988) holders can use a Transit Visa (subclass 771) to enter Australia by air to join a non-military ship. You have 5 days from arrival by air to sign onto the ship. To apply for a Transit Visa if you are joining the crew of a non-military ship, you must be outside Australia and hold a Maritime Crew Visa and the necessary crew documents. You will need to apply for a new Transit Visa on each occasion you are seeking to enter Australia by air to join a ship. Your Maritime Crew Visa will cease if you do not sign on to your ship within 5 days of arriving in Australia by air on your Transit Visa.
Maritime Crew Visa holders signing off vessel in Australia shall apply for a Transit Visa prior to arrival in Australia. This will permit the Maritime Crew Visa holder up to 5 days from signing-off vessel to depart Australia by air or sea (as a non crew member) or to sign-on to a new vessel as an articled crew member.
Australian Border Force forms B521 (signing-off crew) and B522 (signing-on crew) should be used in conjunction with the necessary visa requirements. www.abf.gov.au/help-and-support/forms#
Medical Treatment Visa:  All crew on board non-military ships coming into port in Australia must have a Maritime Crew Visa. If a crew member requires a medical evacuation from a ship that is not coming into port in Australia but is in Australian waters, then a Medical Treatment Visa (subclass 602) can be issued; however, the Department of Home Affairs recommends that all crew entering Australian waters should apply for a Maritime Crew Visa regardless of whether or not they intend on coming into port. This ensures that there will not be any problem obtaining a visa if a crew member needs to be evacuated to Australia.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing
IDENTIFICATION CARDS:  MSIC:  Whilst in a maritime security zone, a person shall display a valid MSIC or shall be escorted by a holder of a valid MSIC. Ships' crew members without a valid MSIC are not permitted to enter or remain in a maritime security zone without an escort. A crew member is permitted to disembark the vessel for the purpose of reading vessel's draft or checking mooring lines without an escort; however, the crew member must remain within the wharf apron at all times while performing these duties.
Department of Home Affairs requires that any visitors accessing port facilities must have a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC). www.homeaffairs.gov.au