Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) - Background Information

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.

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 is a nationally consistent identification card which is issued to identify a person who has been the subject of a background check. It shows that the holder has met the minimum security requirements to work unescorted or unmonitored in a maritime security zone. Before an MSIC can be issued, applicants must undergo background checking which is coordinated by AusCheck, a division of the Attorney-Generals Department.

The MSIC is not an access card and the relevant authority at each port or facility still controls access to its maritime security zones. MSICs are generally valid for up to five years.

More detailed information on MSICs can be found on the Fact Sheet: Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSICs).