Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) - Media Resources
Strengthening Maritime Security - background information
Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)
MSIC - Media releases
Frequently asked questions
Strengthening maritime security
Australia has one of the largest maritime domains in the world and we depend on the maritime industry for the majority of our exports and much of our trade with other countries. The value of our sea borne trade is about $188 billion per annum. Any disruption or destabilisation of this trade would have serious economic consequences.
In addition, Australia's international treaty obligations require the implementation of special measures to enhance maritime security.
In Australia these requirements have been implemented through the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003. Since the commencement of Australia's maritime security regime, a number of reviews have been undertaken and have led to a number of legislative and other regulatory changes.
In June 2005, the Maritime Transport Security Act was amended to cover Australia's offshore oil and gas facilities and was renamed the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003.
The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 aim to safeguard against unlawful interference with maritime transport or offshore facilities, by establishing one security regulatory framework.
A brief overview of the major provisions of the legislation is provided in the attached document. [
PDF: 52 KB]
Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)
One of the major provisions in the legislation was the introduction of a new security identification card for Maritime workers.
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. Before an MSIC can be issued, applicants must undergo background checking conducted through the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
The card shows that those who work unmonitored in the secure areas of ports, ships and offshore oil and gas facilities have had a criminal history check and security assessment. It is the first time that workers in the maritime and associated industries will have their backgrounds checked.
About 75,000 applications for the cards are expected prior to the scheme's full introduction by 1 January, 2007.
MSIC Promotional Materials:
A range of promotional materials have been produced as part of the MSIC scheme. To view the range click here.
MSIC - Media Releases
Releases from the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss:
16 August 2006 MSIC scheme picks up pace [PDF: 78 KB]
5 September 2006 Maritime industry workers rush MSIC scheme [PDF: 45 KB]
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions relating to the MSIC scheme [PDF: 46 KB]
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