8 April 2022
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise that a key information factsheet on the Accredited Grain Surveyor Assurance (AGSA) scheme is now available on the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS) website. Information forums will be held in preparation for commencement.
Summary of changes and key points
- On 1 July 2022, we are introducing the AGSA scheme. Marine surveyors who perform bulk vessel surveys must be accredited under the AGSA scheme.
- The scheme will be administered by AIMS.
- To support the understanding of changes commencing on 1 July 2022, we are holding an information forum via Microsoft Teams on 11 April 2022 for marine surveyors.
- To register your attendance at the forum for marine surveyors, please visit Eventbrite. Registration will close one day prior to the scheduled forum date.
- An information session will also be held in late May 2022 or early June 2022 for authorised officers (AOs) appointed the job function BVI3001: Export inspection of empty bulk vessels. Further information will be provided to BVI AOs regarding this session.
- Further information is available in the key information factsheet.
Background
The Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Rules 2021 (Plant Rules) set the requirements for the export of plants and plant products.
The integrity of Australian grain exports is protected by ensuring that ships’ holds are clean and structurally sound prior to loading. In addition to the work of the Authorised Officers who conduct Bulk Vessel Inspections, marine surveyors make an important contribution to this assurance through their work. For this reason, it’s important for the department to have confidence in the qualifications held by marine surveyors.
On 1 January 2022, amendments were made to the Plant Rules to clarify the requirements for marine surveyors to be accredited to perform bulk vessel surveys. The amendments also set out the Secretary’s powers to suspend or revoke a bulk vessel approval where a marine surveyor’s certificate is not issued by a marine surveyor accredited under the AGSA scheme. On 1 July 2022, these amendments will take effect.
For further information, please refer to IAN 2022-13.
Marine surveyor responsibilities
- Marine surveyors will need to apply to AIMS for accreditation.
Note: AIMS members and non-members can apply. - There will be an initial application fee ($90) per marine surveyor.
- There will be an annual accreditation fee ($250) per marine surveyor.
- Accreditation must be renewed annually.
- The names of 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
- From 1 July 2022, exporters and shipping companies must source accredited marine surveyors to perform bulk vessel surveys.
Authorised officer responsibilities
- From 1 July 2022, BVI AOs must confirm that the marine surveyor who surveyed the vessel is accredited under the AGSA scheme.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email Plant Export Regulatory Reform.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch