The Australian Government requires anyone working within the secure areas of a port, ship or offshore oil and gas facility to display an identification card known as a maritime security identification card or MSIC.

The Australian Government has introduced stronger maritime security laws to protect all Australians from the threat of terrorists and others who would disrupt our maritime operations. The MSIC is part of the Australian Government’s stronger maritime security laws, which are called the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.

You could be fined if you don’t display your MSIC when you are in a maritime security zone. Individual fines of $550 could apply.

Flinders Ports will not be an issuing body.

Regulatory Changes to the Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) Scheme

On 1 December 2010, the following enhancements to the MSIC scheme took effect:

• background checks are conducted every two years with cards being valid for up to four years;
• a new offence to prosecute MSIC holders who fail to advise their MSIC issuing body or AusCheck if they have been convicted of a disqualifying offence or convicted of any other maritime security relevant offence and sentenced to imprisonment for that offence; and
• a new offence to prosecute MSIC issuing bodies that fail to suspend an MSIC at the direction of the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, or fail to cancel the MSIC if they have been advised by AusCheck that the holder is no longer eligible for a card due criminal offences.

This is in addition to the expansion of the list of offences that may preclude a person from eligibility for an MSIC to cover additional offences such as murder, use of prohibited explosives, making a bomb hoax, kidnapping and bribing a government official, which came into effect on 1 July 2010.

For further information, please see the MSIC fact sheets at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/security/maritime/factsheets/index.aspx

What is an MSIC (Maritime Security Identification Card)?
The MSIC is a nationally consistent identification card which confirms that the holder has met the minimum background checking requirements to work in a maritime and/or offshore security zone. An MSIC is not an access control card, and possession of an MSIC does not provide the right of entry to any facility within a maritime security zone. Access to maritime security zones is managed by the Maritime Industry Participant.

Click on the following link for more information regarding the Flinders Ports Security Access Card. http://www.flindersports.com.au/security2.html

Who requires an MSIC?
If you work in a maritime security zone you need an MSIC. You may also know these as waterside restricted zones, landside restricted zones, ship and port security zones and offshore security zones. You need an MSIC if you work on a wharf, onboard a ship, or onboard an offshore oil and gas facility. You also need an MSIC if you visit an Australian regulated port, ship or offshore facility more than once a year to deliver or drop off goods, provide services or conduct regular maintenance. Even if you are under 18, you will still need an MSIC.

How do I obtain an MSIC?
You can apply for an MSIC from an authorised MSIC issuing body.
Issuing bodies include:
Sydney Ports Corporation
Veritas Engineering Pty Ltd
1-Stop
Fastcards

For a full list of issuing bodies refer to the Department of Transport and Infrastructure website. http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/security/maritime/index.aspx

The application process is straightforward and involves a series of security and criminal background checks. Further information is available to explain the steps you need to take.

Check if you need an MSIC.
?          Do you work on the wharves, onboard a ship or on an offshore oil and gas facility?
?          Do you need access to a maritime security zone to deliver or pick up cargo?
?          Do you need access to a maritime security zone to provide goods and services?
?          Do you need access to a maritime security zone more than once a year?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you will need to apply for an MSIC.

How do I apply for an MSIC?
1.         Application Form
To apply for your MSIC, you need to obtain an MSIC application form from authorised MSIC issuing bodies, such as employers, industry associations and private companies. Fill out the MSIC application form (either online or hard copy) and return it to your official MSIC issuing body.

2.         Proof of identity
Along with your MSIC application form, you also need to provide documents that prove your identity.

Provide ONE of these primary identification documents:

. a valid copy of a birth certificate
. a valid copy of a citizenship or naturalisation certificate
. a valid passport (or a passport that has not been expired for more than one year)
. a valid passport proving citizenship of another country with a stamp showing you have the right to work in Australia (you may also need a letter from your embassy or consulate proving your passport is genuine).

and also
Provide either ONE secondary identification document such as:

. a valid drivers license with your photograph
. a valid Government employee identification card
. a valid student identification card.

OR
TWO tertiary identification documents such as:

. bank or credit card statement in your name showing your address
. a signed statement by your employer or former employer
. a rates notice in your name showing your address.

3.         Photo
Your MSIC card will include your photo, so you will have to have your photo taken by an MSIC issuing body.

4.         Proof you have an operational need to hold an MSIC
Whether you are an employee, contractor or self-employed, you must show an operational need to have an MSIC. This means you must show that you need unmonitored or unescorted access to a maritime security zone to do your job.

Check with your issuing body or supervisor for the exact steps you need to take to prove you need an MSIC.

5.         Authority to work in Australia
To be eligible for an MSIC you must be an Australian citizen, or hold a visa which gives you the right to work in Australia.

What if I’m under 18?
If you’re under 18, you will need an MSIC to access or work unmonitored in a maritime security zone. You will not require and AFP criminal history check or ASIO security assessment. However, once you turn 18, you have six months to go through the full application process for an MSIC, including the AFP and ASIO background checks.

How long does it take?
The time it takes to get an MSIC will vary depending on whether you have provided all the right documents and whether more information is needed for the background checks.

What does it cost?
The total cost of the MSIC will vary between issuing bodies.

What if my application is rejected?
If your application for an MSIC is rejected, you will be told the reasons why, as well as any appeal rights you have, in writing.

If your appeal is unsuccessful or you decide not to appeal, you will not be allowed to access or work unmonitored in a maritime security zone.

What is the background check for an MSIC?
The background check done as part of your MSIC application will be undertaken by AusCheck.

Why is the backgrounds check necessary?
The Australian Government is introducing stronger maritime security laws to protect all Australians from the threat of terrorists and others who would disrupt our maritime operations.

Having an MSIC shows you have an operational need to be in a maritime security zone and that you are not a threat because your background check has shown that you:

. Do not have an adverse criminal record
. Do not have an adverse security assessment
. Have proven your identity
. Have the right to work in Australia

What convictions are checked?
The Australian Government will assess your record against a list of serious offences relevant to maritime security.

A full list of offences is available from the Department of Transport and Infrastructure website.

Your MSIC application may be rejected if you have been convicted of a disqualifying offence. For lesser convictions, the Australian Government will consider the circumstances of the conviction before making a decision on the issue of an MSIC.

What other offences could come up in my background check?
The National Police Certificate may list any convictions, however the MSIC check is only for criminal convictions that are serious enough to reject an MSIC application, such as those listed in this brochure. For example, traffic offences are not included in the crimes list used to assess MSIC applications.

Who sees my confidential information?
Information from your background checks will not be given to your employer or your MSIC issuing body. Issuing bodies are only told whether or not they can give you an MSIC.

What is my employer told if my application is rejected?
If your application for an MSIC is rejected, the Department of Transport and Infrastructure will tell you the reasons why in writing. It’s up to you if you want to discuss this with your employer.

How long is an MSIC valid for?
An MSIC applicant has a choice of either a four or two year card unless you leave the regulated Australian maritime environment for 12 months or longer or you no longer have an operational need to be within a maritime security zone. In this case, your card may be cancelled before the 4 or 2 year validity period has elapsed. A background check is required every 2 years.

What happens to my card if it is cancelled?
If your card was cancelled you will need to return it to the issuing body who issued your card.

What happens if my card was cancelled, but I now find myself working in the industry again?
If you return to the industry after this time or you find once again you have a need for an MSIC and it is before the date the card would have expired, you will need to sign a statutory declaration stating that there has been no change to your criminal record and your card will be re-issued to you with the original expiry date. Even if there has been no change to your criminal history the issuing body may decide that new background checks will need to be undertaken. If this is the case, your new card will expire five years from when this new check was completed.

What happens at the end of either the 4 or 2 year validity period?
Your card will expire and you will need to apply for a new one. You will need to undergo another background check before your replacement card can be issued. These checks should be initiated before your MSIC expires, so you don’t lose the ability to work unmonitored within a maritime security zone.

How do I need to display my MSIC?
You should wear your MSIC above waist height; at the front or side of your body; with the whole front of the MSIC clearly visible.

What will happen if I don’t display an MSIC?
Inappropriate display of, or not displaying an MSIC could lead to a fine.