Maritime Security
The Australian Government has implemented a maritime security regime to help safeguard Australia's maritime transport system and offshore facilities from terrorism. Under this regime, all security regulated ports, port facilities, offshore facilities, and ships undertake risk assessments and implement security plans to address identified risks.
Following 11 September 2001, the international community resolved to implement a system to secure the maritime transport sector against the threat of terrorism. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by December 2002, was the result.
The Australian Government developed the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003 to implement the ISPS Code in Australia. Both the ISPS Code and the Act came into effect on 1 July 2004.
Also in 2004, the Australian Government Taskforce on Offshore Maritime Security concluded that there was a need to security regulate the offshore oil and gas industry. The offshore oil and gas industry is very important to Australia's economy, and it is therefore necessary to safeguard Australia's offshore oil and gas supplies, by preventing any adverse impacts on this industry.
Following the recommendations of the Taskforce, the Australian Government decided to security regulate Australia's offshore oil and gas industry. The Maritime Transport Security Amendment Act 2005 received Royal Assent on 26 June 2005. The Act renames the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003 as the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003. The amended Act and Regulations under it establish the legislative basis for approving security plans for offshore oil and gas facilities.
Since then, a number of reviews have been undertaken, leading to changes in the legislation underpinning the regime. A number of other factors, including continued refinement of the international maritime security framework, and practical experience of implementation of the regime, have led to further refinements in the regime.
Latest News
Varying and Revising Security Plans
Find guidance on varying and revising plans as well as example forms which can be used to request the Secretary to vary or revise a security plan.
New Standards for Ship Security Officers
From 1 January 2008 new mandatory minimum training standards apply for persons to be designated as ship security officers (SSOs ). [
DOC: 49 KB] is the letter sent to all operators of Australian security regulated ships in October 2007.
Producing Maps for Maritime Security Plan
This document outlines the key elements to be included when producing maps for maritime security plans.[DOC: 166 KB ]
Replacing Maps of Security Zones
Information can be found in this section in relation to replacing maps of maritime security zones. In order for OTS to officially accept updated maps, they must be accompanied by a request to the Secretary to vary (or in some cases revise) the maritime security plan.
The "Strengthening Maritime Security" guide provides maritime industry participants and other stakeholders with a plain English reference guide to the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the associated regulations. [
PDF: 4459 KB]
Maritime Security Incident Reporting
This section of the website provides information to assist maritime industry participants, as well as other persons with reporting responsibilities, on the form and manner in which to report maritime security incidents and events.
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code)
The IMO has developed security measures to be included as amendments to the SOLAS Convention to which Australia is a party. Chapter XI-2 was added to SOLAS. The ISPS code is associated with this new chapter. Part A of the Code is mandatory and Part B recommendatory.
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This section contains information on, as well as links to, the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.
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Risk Context Statements provides the maritime and offshore industry sectors with information on the strategic risk context for their sector and the current security environment in Australia.
Security Plans for Maritime Industry Participants
All security regulated ports, port facilities, offshore facilities, and ships are required to undertake risk assessments and implement security plans to address identified risks. This section provides information and guidance material on maritime, ship and offshore security plans.
Maritime Security Identification Cards
This section contains information on Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSICs). The MSIC will be a nationally consistent identification card which shows that the holder has met the minimum security requirements to remain unmonitored within a maritime security zone.
Secure Maritime Security Website
This section provides information and guidance to assist maritime industry participants and other stakeholders with their understanding of the maritime security environment and fulfilling their roles and responsibilities under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and associated Regulations. Please Note that this section is restricted and requires a username and password.
Indicative Port Boundaries for Security Regulated Ports
To assist maritime industry participants to acquit their responsibilities under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003, the following maps are provided which show the port boundaries for the security regulated ports within Australia.
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