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74-2023: New Human Health Update process in Maritime and Aircraft Reporting System (MARS) for cruise vessels

30/03/2023

Who does this notice affect?

All vessel owners, operators, masters, and shipping agents who represent international cruise vessels in preparing for arrival in Australian territory and reporting changes to onboard human health status.

What has changed?

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry performs human health functions on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care (Health) at Australia’s international air and seaports. Health has revised its human health reporting obligations which requires a MARS change.

From 31 March 2023, the MARS change will occur for cruise vessel management. The change relates to information and how human health updates are processed in MARS after pratique have been granted.

Once cruise vessels have been granted pratique, MARS will continue to accept human health updates from vessel masters and agents.

However, this new human health update process in MARS will mean that vessel masters/agents:

  • will no longer receive a Biosecurity Status Document (BSD) if they submit a Human Health Update indicating human health issues post pratique being granted.
  • will no longer receive additional human health questions when a human health update is submitted that indicates Listed Human Disease Symptoms (LHDS).

This MARS change in process will streamline arrival processes for all vessel owners, operators, masters, and shipping agents. It saves time by reducing the administrative process while remaining compliant.

Further information

Vessel masters and shipping agents who report directly into the MARS portal can continue as per usual process. No changes are required.

As an alternative to direct MARS access, vessel master or shipping agents can use offline forms where there is limited or unreliable internet connectivity to meet pre-arrival reporting.

Download the offline forms regularly to ensure you are getting the latest version. The MARS offline forms were revised on 23 February 2023.

Access the latest MARS offline forms.

If you have difficulties accessing the offline forms, contact the National Maritime Centre for assistance

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Page last updated: 30 March 2023

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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