Maritime Security Plans
A maritime security plan sets out the security measures and procedures to be implemented, at each maritime security level, to safeguard against acts of unlawful interference with maritime transport or offshore facilities.
Various maritime industry participants are required to have, and comply with, maritime security plans.
Who is affected?
The maritime industry participants who must have a maritime security plan in force are:
- operators of security regulated ports
- operators of facilities at security regulated ports
- providers of services at such ports
It is an offence for a maritime industry participant to operate without a maritime security plan in force when one is required.
Even if you are not required to have your own maritime security plan, you may be affected by someone else's. If you have been given the relevant parts of another industry participant's maritime security plan, you must comply with the requirements of those parts.
Maritime industry participants must not hinder or obstruct compliance with the security plan of another participant. If they do so, they may be subject to an enforcement order.
Content and form of a Maritime Security Plan
Maritime security plans must include the following:
- a security assessment for the participant's operation
- the security activities or measures to be implemented at each security level
- contact details for the participant's security officer
- provision for the use of declarations of security
- how the plan will make a contribution toward maritime security outcomes
Maritime security plans must be submitted to the Department for approval, in writing, and be accompanied by relevant maps and supporting documentation.
The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 also has provisions covering the approval, variation, revision and cancellation of maritime security plans.
Common requirements for Maritime Security Plans
The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 have a number of general requirements to be addressed in maritime security plans, including details on security assessments and risk management processes, and information on auditing and review processes. The plans must also set out how the plan is to be protected from unauthorised access, amendment and disclosure.
There are obligations for port operators, port facility operators and port service providers to give specific information to other industry participants conducting operations within the security regulated port.
Matters to be dealt with in Maritime Security Plans
The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 detail specific matters that are to be dealt with in maritime security plans by port operators, port facility operators and port service providers, including:
- matters to be included in the security assessment
- details, qualifications and responsibilities of security personnel
- consultation procedures between maritime industry participants
- security measures for maritime security levels 1, 2 and 3
- declarations of security
Maritime security plans must also address various there prescribed measures and procedures that are designed to prevent, or respond to, threats or breaches of security against the maritime industry participants covered by the plan.
Maritime security plans for port facility operators and port service providers must also be accompanied by a relevant map as specified in the Regulations.
Document accompanying the plan
The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 specify that certain information be put in a document accompanying a maritime security plan, but not forming part of the security plan, including contact details for key staff, details of security staff, and other information relevant to each maritime participant.
There is an obligation to notify the Department, in writing, within two working days, if there is any change to the information in the accompanying document to the security plan. It is an offence not to do so.
Information and Guidance Material
Application Forms for approval of Maritime Security Plans
Maritime industry participants wishing to lodge their final maritime security plan must complete the appropriate application form, as follows:
- Application Form for Approval of a Port Operator Security Plan [
DOC: 143 KB] - Application Form for Approval of a Port Facility Operator Security Plan [DOC: 140 KB]
- Application Form for Approval of a Port Service Provider Security Plan [DOC: 125 KB]
Contained in these application forms is a self-assessment checklist which will assist the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government with the assessment and review of your plan. To ensure your security plan is submitted correctly, the application form also provides the details of the Department contact officers and methods of lodgment.
Maritime Risk Context and Assessment
All Maritime Industry Participants are required to consider the Maritime Risk Context Statement when undertaking security assessments.
- Maritime Risk Context Statement - to obtain a copy please email your request to security.analysis@infrastructure.gov.au
All Maritime Industry Participants are required to consider the Maritime Risk Context Statement when undertaking security assessments.
Guides to Preparing a Maritime Security Plan
A number of guides are available to assist Port Operators, Port Facility Operators and Port Service Providers to prepare Maritime Security Plans. These publications are being revised and will be posted here shortly.
Better Practice Guides
- Appropriate Signage for Maritime Security Zones [
PDF: 461 KB ]
Guidance Papers
- Sharing of Security Plan Information: This paper provides guidance on managing access to maritime, ship and offshore security plans for maritime industry participants who are required to ensure that their security plans are protected against unauthorised access, amendment and disclosure. This paper is only available on the restricted website for Maritime Industry Participants which requires a logon and password.
- Appropriate Signage for Maritime Security Zones.[PDF: 461 KB ]
- The Strengthening Maritime Security guide provides maritime industry participants and other stakeholders with a plain English reference to the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the associated Regulations. [PDF: 2538 KB ]
DOC, RTF: To view a Microsoft Word file, you need to have Microsoft Word or Word Viewer installed on the computer. If you do not have the necessary software installed, you can download Microsoft Word Viewer free of charge from the Microsoft website.
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.