14 June 2022
Who does this notice affect?
All vessel owners, operators, masters, and shipping agents who represent international commercial vessels for the purposes of Australian biosecurity clearance.
What has changed?
New biofouling management requirements for vessel arrivals begin 15 June 2022.
An amended Pre-Arrival Report (PAR) will be released in MARS on 15 June 2022 to include biofouling questions relating to the Biosecurity Amendment (Biofouling Management) Regulations 2021 (biofouling regulations). The new regulations require operators of all vessels to provide information on biofouling management practices prior to arrival in Australian territory.
Australian biofouling management requirements provides details of Australia’s pre-arrival reporting requirements and guidance for operators of international vessels that are subject to biosecurity control while in Australian territorial seas. The Australian biofouling management requirements are published at Managing biofouling in Australia.
Do you use MARS offline forms?
As an alternative to direct MARS access, offline forms can be used by vessel masters or officers where there is limited or unreliable internet connectivity to meet pre-arrival reporting obligations.
The MARS PAR offline form has been updated on the MARS offline forms webpage, for use from Wednesday 15 June 2022. Vessel masters and shipping agents should make sure to use the updated PAR to avoid errors and delays when submitting into MARS.
What do you need to do?
Complete your PAR in MARS as per usual. The new biofouling questions appear in a new tab, Biofouling, section of the PAR in MARS.
Users of the MARS offline forms need to download the latest versions available from the department’s website. Using the most current version of forms will minimise errors when a user is submitting information into MARS. The offline forms have been updated for use from Wednesday 15 June 2022.
Where can you find the forms?
The updated offline forms are available on the department’s website: MARS offline forms.
Vessel reporting requirements and the Biosecurity Act 2015
Vessel masters and shipping agents are reminded:
- To read and understand the Biosecurity Status Document (BSD) directions and conditions and keep a copy of the current document on board the vessel for the duration of the voyage in Australia.
- Any changes in circumstances during the voyage in Australian waters, particularly changes to the human health of travellers, must be submitted via MARS or reported to the National Maritime Centre as soon as practicable.
- That a failure to report accurately or comply with a requirement under the Biosecurity Act may result in penalties, including infringement notices, civil penalties, or criminal prosecutions.
Further information
For the latest information on biofouling management, view Managing biofouling in Australia.
View the Vessels webpages for information on Australia’s biosecurity reporting obligations and responsibilities.