4 November 2025
Who does this notice affect?
All vessel owners, operators, masters and shipping agents who represent international commercial vessels preparing for arrival into Australian territory.
What has changed?
A recent update to the Maritime and Aircraft Reporting System (MARS) has enhanced vessel monitoring coverage through the integration of additional terrestrial Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers and low-earth orbit satellites. These improvements strengthen MARS’ ability to track vessel arrivals and departures within Australian territory using data from a vessel’s onboard AIS system.
This enhancement enables vessels subject to the positive pratique process to be granted pratique upon reaching the 12 nautical mile limit of their first arrival port in Australian territory. The updated process aligns with legislative requirements for pratique and human health assessments under the Biosecurity Act 2015, ensuring health information and vessel movements are assessed in accordance with Australia’s biosecurity and human health obligations.
These improvements support more timely assessment and management of reported illness on board vessels and enhance overall biosecurity risk management. They will also support more timely invoicing when vessels depart Australian territory.
Further information
Contact the department’s National Maritime Centre (NMC) by email (maritimenc@aff.gov.au) or phone 1300 004 605 (in Australia) or +61 8 8201 6185 (outside Australia).
More details about Vessel Pratique are available on the department’s website.
Reminder to vessel masters and shipping agents
- 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 crew/passengers, must be reported via MARS or reported to the National Maritime Centre (NMC) as soon as practicable.
- A failure to report accurately or comply with a requirement under the Biosecurity Act 2015 may result in penalties, including infringement notices, civil penalties, or criminal prosecutions.
View the Vessels webpages for information on Australia’s biosecurity reporting obligations and responsibilities.