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2021-44: Plant Export Operations – Proposed changes to improve bulk vessel survey and inspection practices from 1 November 2021

30 August 2021

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise that we are proposing regulatory changes to improve export bulk vessel marine surveyor survey and authorised officer inspection practices from 1 November 2021 and seeking feedback on the proposed changes.

Summary of changes and key points

  • Two key changes are proposed to come into effect on 1 November 2021:
    • Authorised officers appointed in the job function BVI3001: Export inspection of empty bulk vessels (BVI AOs) must record their empty bulk vessel inspections at berth and at anchorage using helmet-mounted video recording devices.
    • All qualified marine surveyors must be accredited under the new Accredited Grain Surveyor Assurance (AGSA) scheme to survey and certify empty bulk vessels that will be used for the export of prescribed plants and plant products.
  • The marine surveyor qualification requirements are also proposed to be updated to better reflect the qualifications and experience of existing marine surveyors in Australia that perform bulk vessel surveys for plant exports.
  • Please visit the Plant export legislation changes webpage for details on the proposed changes.
  • You can provide preliminary feedback on the proposed changes via your relevant peak industry body or by emailing Plant Export Regulation Reform Program directly.
  • Feedback on these changes must be provided before 11:59PM AEST on Sunday 12 September 2021.
  • Amendments to the Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Rules 2021 will be made to give effect to the changes.
  • Further public consultation on changes to the Plant Rules will be undertaken.

Authorised officer responsibilities

  • BVI AOs or their employers have responsibility for:
  • acquiring required equipment listed on our webpage
  • storing recorded video footage for up to 2 years.
  • BVI AOs will need to make recorded footage available to us on request, for example for audit purposes.
  • BVI AOs will confirm that the marine surveyor who surveyed the vessel was accredited under the AGSA scheme prior to undertaking their inspection.

Marine surveyor responsibilities

  • Marine surveyors will need to apply to the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS) for accreditation.
    Note: AIMS members and non-members will be able to apply.
  • There will be an annual accreditation fee ($250) and application cost ($90) for initial applications, per marine surveyor.
  • Accreditation will need to be renewed annually (approximately in September/October).
  • Accredited marine surveyors will be published in a list on the AIMS website, and surveyors will be issued identification cards.

Exporter and shipping company responsibilities

  • Exporters and shipping companies will need to source accredited marine surveyors to perform bulk vessel surveys.

Background

We are proposing regulatory changes to improve export bulk vessel survey and inspection practices. The proposed changes will provide greater assurance to us, the shipping industry and Australia’s grain exporters that bulk vessels comply with agricultural export legislation.

We have been collaborating on these changes with AIMS, and representatives of Australia’s shipping and grain export industries.

Contact information

If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email Plant Export Regulation Reform Program.

David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch

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Page last updated: 30 August 2021

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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