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About Mackay Seaport

Port of Mackay Security Information

Implementation of the ISPS Code

From 1st July, 2004 the Port of Mackay has been compliant with the requirements of the ISPS Code and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act and Regulations, which applies to all ships over 500grt trading internationally, and ports serving such vessels.

The ISPS Code establishes a robust security regime within the port and is designed to prevent the incursion of any person or object which may be a security threat, particularly with respect to terrorism.

There are three security threat assessment levels:

Level 1 is the first level of alert, which is likely to be the 'normal' level for some time;
Level 2 means that there is a heightened risk of a non-site-specific security threat;
Level 3 means that a security incident has occurred, or a site-specific threat is probable or imminent.

These levels of response are declared to us by the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DoTaRS).

The level at which the port is operating will be advised by signs at the entrance gates.

To comply with the Code, the core portion of the Port of Mackay operations area has been fenced to create a security cordon requiring formal authorisation to enter. This area is known as the Security Regulated Port (SRP) and all areas within the SRP are designated as Landside Restricted Zones (LSR), or Waterside Restricted Zones (WRZ)

Personal Identification

A key feature of the Code is the requirement for all persons requesting entry to the SRP to be authorised and identified before entry into the Port at all security threat alert levels. the Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSIC) is the process used to comply with this requirement, and the card must show your photograph, your name, the name of the issuing authority and be tamper-proof. For emergency access, the Port of Mackay will accept any of the following forms of identification from Government agencies

For emergency access, the Port of Mackay will accept any of the following forms of identification from Government agencies

An ID card issued by Mackay Port Authority, or
A military ID card, or
An ID card issued by the Australian or Queensland Government, or
A Seafarer's ID card issued by a contracting government or flag state.

Only those persons actively engaged in port operations activities, either for the MPA or Port Facilities, will be considered for PSIC issue.

To apply for a PSIC, ring the Mackay Port Authority on 4955 8155 to have a form mailed to you or alternatively, you can download the Port Security Identification Card application form in PDF (53kb).

Maritime Security Indentification Card (MSIC)

The provision for introduction of an Australia wide identification card, known as the Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC), has been passed into legislation. Port of Brisbane is the first port to introduce the MSIC throughout their operation. An MSIC will have to be worn by every person entering a restricted zone.

Australian seaports have been collected into seven groups for the rollout of the MSIC issue. Mackay is in the seventh and last group, and is likely to commence processing applications, at this stage, by the end of May 2006.

Mackay Port Authority will be acting as an Authorised Agency of the Port of Brisbane Corporation, and will accept applications for MSIC at our Operations Office during office hours 0900 - 1600 Monday to Friday.

All applicants will need to complete a new application form, accompanied by:

1. proof of Australian citizenship or residency
2. identification (passport, driver's licence, birth certificate etc)
3. consent to have Federal, State and or Territory Police criminal history checks, Immigration checks and ASIO checks
4. payment for processing the card, including cost of background checks of $149.00 for a five year card. If the applicant also requires his MSIC to be an access card for the Port of Mackay, an additional $8.00 will be charged to include this facility.

Following stage one of the application process, applicants will then need to forward the second part of the application to Federal Police to have background checks completed.

At the conclusion of this process, the Issuing Body will be advised by DoTaRS whether a card can, or cannot be issued.

If DoTaRS give the "green light" for issuance of a card, the card will be printed for the applicant, who will then be required to signify they are familiar with the rules and conditions applicable to the use of the card.

To facilitate the familiarisation process, an awareness and induction process is available on the Port of Brisbane website.

Vehicle Access

Vehicular access to the port will only be permitted to those drivers who possess a MSIC, or who have arranged to have had a visitor’s card issued to them by the agency they are working for.

Pre Notification of Entry

Any persons wishing to enter the Security Regulated Port (SRP), will need to have made prior application for a temporary entry card, generally through the relevant port facility manager, detailing reasons for requesting entry. It is strongly recommended that Port Security be contacted at least 24 hours in advance of intended arrival. This will expedite the checking and validation process for temporary access approval and prevent unnecessary delays.

Temporary Access

Short term visitors, tradesmen, contractors etc., who require access to the restricted zones within the security perimeter, will either need to be holders of a MSIC, or be escorted by a MSIC holder whilst on site. In addition they will also be required to be issued with a Port of Mackay specific visitor's card. Application for issue of a Port specific visitor's card must be made through the agency the visitor is working for.

Access of holders of MSIC not issued by MPA

Holders of a MSIC issued by another IB , will not have access to MPA simply because they hold a MSIC. They will be required to make application to enter the port through their contracted agency, detailing reasons for seeking entry, and also make application for a Port of Mackay specific visitor's card. MSIC holders do not need to be escorted whilst within restricted zones.

Pre Notification of Entry

Any persons wishing to enter the Security Regulated Port (SRP), will need to have made prior application for a visitor's card, generally through the relevant port facility manager, detailing reasons for requesting entry. It is strongly recommended that Port Security be contacted at least 24 hours in advance of intended arrival. This will expedite the checking and validation process for temporary access approval and prevent unnecessary delays.

Pre Notification of Entry - Ship Arrivals

All ships are required to notify Port Security prior to arrival. The Ships Security Officer (SSO) will need to notify Port Security of:

the Security Officer's name and contact details;
crew listing and details of projected crew movements
expected stores; visitors; and crew changes

Crew members seeking access through the cordon will need to be able to present a photographic ID card, which will be verified against the supplied crew list.

Port Security Contact Details

Mackay Port Authority Port Officers have received training to Queensland Security Certificate II level, and will be the first point of contact for issues relating to security.

Port Officers will be responsible for the monitoring of access and surveillance systems

24 hour phone number: (07) 4955 5107
Mobile: 0417 761 086
VHF Marine: Ch 16
Email: Port Security

Delivery of Goods, Cargo, Supplies to Vessels or Businesses within the Port

The pre-notification and ID process described above will apply to all deliveries. All goods may be subjected to random search. It is strongly recommended that all goods arrive in a sealed condition as goods which, in the view of a Security Officer, appear opened or possibly tampered with, will be isolated and subject to further controls. Unaccompanied baggage will not be accepted.

Ships' Visitors

Visitors to a vessel must be holders of a MSIC and satisfy MPA ID requirements to gain access through the cordon and have a verifiable reason to enter the port. Only after satisfying the PSO of the need to visit a vessel will the visitor be permitted to enter the SRP. Visitors will also be subject to ship access controls.

Visitors will also be subject to ship access controls.