Maritime Security
The Australian Government has implemented a maritime security regime to help safeguard Australia's maritime transport system and offshore facilities from terrorism and unlawful interference. Under this regime all security regulated ports, port facilities, offshore facilities, port and offshore service providers and ships undertake security 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 by 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.
In 2005 the Act was extended and renamed the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (MTOFSA). The amended Act, and Regulations under it, establish the legislative basis for also approving security plans for offshore oil and gas facilities.
International developments and a number of reviews, have led to changes and refinements in the legislation underpinning the maritime security regime.
Latest News
Guidance Paper on Signage for Maritime Security Zones [
PDF: 461 KB]
The signage paper is designed to assist maritime industry participants to meet their obligation of informing the public that a maritime security zone is in force.
Varying and Revising Security Plans
This section contains 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 internationally for persons to be designated as ship security officers.
- A list of courses which meet the standard of the IMO and as approved by AMSA.
- A list of AMSA approved training providers.
Producing Maps for Maritime Security Plans
This document outlines the key elements to be included when producing maps for maritime security plans [PDF: 201 KB ]
Replacing Maps of Security Zones
Information in this section relates to replacing maps of maritime security zones. In order for the Department 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.
Further Information
Strengthening Maritime Security Guide
The 'Strengthening Maritime Security' guide [PDF: 2537 KB] provides maritime industry participants and other stakeholders with a plain English guide to the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the associated regulations. This guide has been revised.
Maritime Security Incident Reporting
This section provides information on the form and manner in which to report maritime security incidents and events.
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code)
This section provides a link to the ISPS Code developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Part A of the Code is mandatory and is implemented in Australia through MTOFSA, Part B contains guidance on how to best comply with the mandatory requirements.
Australian Maritime Security Legislation and Regulation
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.
-
This section shows information on Risk Context Statements which provide 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
This section provides information and guidance material on maritime, ship and offshore security plans.
All security regulated ports, port facilities, offshore facilities, port and offshore services providers and ships are required to undertake risk assessments and implement security plans to address identified risks.
Maritime Security Identification Cards
This section contains information on Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSICs). The MSIC is 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.
Industry participants with a valid security plan may request a logon by contacting 'transport.security@infrastructure.gov.au'.
PDF: In order to download or print PDF versions of documents, you need to have Adobe Reader installed. If you don't have Adobe Reader installed, download the installer from the Adobe Reader web page and then install the Reader before continuing.
Disclaimer: The compatible application(s) listed above are examples only. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government does not endorse any particular software developer or specific application.