COVID-19 pandemic update July 2022
We paused the deployment of independent observers (observer) in March 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Deployments recommenced from 1 May 2022. We will, however, continue to monitor these restrictions and consider the safety and practicality of international travel for observers when deciding to deploy.
Independent observers (observer) are departmental staff administered by us. They accompany voyages of livestock exported by sea.
Overview
Observers play an assurance role within our regulatory system. They monitor, review and/or audit exporter arrangements on-board livestock export vessels.
Their focus is to verify and report on the:
- implementation of individual exporter arrangements. This includes its approved arrangement (AA) and approved export program.
- activities undertaken by the on-board accredited veterinarian (AAV) or accredited stockperson
- exporters effectiveness at managing animal health and welfare. This includes meeting the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL).
Observers do not take an active role in animal management during the voyage.
Further information on the roles and responsibilities of exporters, AAVs, accredited stockpersons, master of the vessel and observer can be found on the accredited veterinarians page.
We deploy observers in accordance with:
We also publish recent independent observer reports.
Information for exporters
You should prepare for an observer to accompany a voyage when:
- the voyage departs from ports south of latitude 26 degrees south and crossing the equator.
- it is the first voyage undertaken by you following a notifiable mortality incident.
- it is the first voyage of any new exporter or vessel.
- the voyage is considered a long-haul voyage with any complex arrangements. This includes those with multiple ports of discharge, carrying buffalo or enacting management plans (e.g. heavy cattle).
We may also direct an observer to accompany other voyages. We will notify you if we require this.
Extenuating circumstances
If your voyage has extenuating circumstances that may prevent an observer being accommodated, you must contact us at least 10 business days before departure.
Email observers@agriculture.gov.au.
If you vary a notice of intention (NOI) in a way that impacts an observer being deployed, this must be done at least 10 business days before departure, unless we advise otherwise.
If we require an observer to accompany a vessel, export and vessel operations continue as normal. AAVs and Accredited Stockpersons should perform their normal duties.
Observers do not take an active role in animal management during the voyage.
AAVs or accredited stockpersons submit daily reports under ASEL. They provide detail on health and welfare issues during the voyage. You should take timely and appropriate action in response to issues identified in these reports. Do not wait for observer reports, or the publication of summary observer reports, to act.
There are fees and travel costs for having an observer accompany a vessel.
If a vessel has multiple exporters and consignments we will:
- base fees on the number of head exported by each exporter
- assign travel costs equally between all exporters.
Further information can be found in our charging guidelines.
Example scenario
An example of how we charge for an IO to accompany a voyage is provided here.
An IO departs Melbourne and arrives at Broome at 4 pm on Monday 6 August for a 13-day voyage to Malaysia:
- the voyage is estimated to depart at 11 am on Tuesday 7 August
- due to unforeseen circumstances, the voyage departure is delayed until Wednesday 8 August at 10 am
- the IO provides the standard 7 hours and 30 minutes audit service each day
- the IO obtains audit support from Australia for a total of 18 x 15 minute units throughout the audit. This includes 10 x 15 minute units on weekdays and 4 x 30 minute units on weekends
- the unloading of stock is not completed until 10 pm on 20 August and the IO departs for Melbourne on the next available flight at midday on 21 August.
This is the breakdown for how the exporter is charged.
| Chargeable event | Itemised charges |
|---|---|
| Delay at Broome – Tuesday 7 August | 1 x weekday audit rate |
| 13-day voyage 8 – 20 August | 9 x weekday audit rate |
| 4 x weekend audit rate | |
| Audit support from Australia | 10 x weekday 15 minutes |
| 4 x weekend 30 minutes | |
| International flight – Malaysia to Melbourne | Airfares |
| Additional day travel to Australia | 1 x weekday audit rate |