8 May 2026
Who does this notice affect?
All vessel owners, operators, masters and shipping agents who represent international commercial vessels, including cruise vessels preparing for arrival into Australian territory.
What has changed?
This notice outlines key reporting and communication requirements to ensure vessel masters, shipping agents, crew and passengers are informed of Australia's mandatory biosecurity requirements and their obligations prior to arrival.
The Maritime and Aircraft Reporting System (MARS) access is protected information
Each time a user logs into MARS, the user is agreeing to the terms and conditions based on a specific role (master). It is important that, as users, you understand your obligations and the privacy arrangements of your access.
Request permission to moor and load and/or unload goods at a Non-First Point of Entry
Vessel masters or agents planning a voyage that involves mooring at a port that is not a first point of entry for that class of vessel are reminded that they must first obtain permission under subsection 247(1) of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Act).
Where there are plans to unload goods at a non-first point of entry, vessel masters or agents must seek additional permission under subsection 146(1) of the Act. Applications must be submitted for each port during an Australian territory voyage.
Mooring and unloading goods are two separate permissions. Applications for permission to moor and unload goods at a non-first point of entry should be submitted via MARS at least 10 business days before the vessel’s arrival at each port. Applicants must have received the required written permissions before mooring and/or unloading.
Legislative requirements for further information have changed
Section 194(1A) of the Act places responsibility on the operator of a vessel to provide updated information where there are changes to a voyage.
The operator of a vessel must give further information in relation to a report under subsection 193(1) of the Act if the operator becomes aware, before the vessel moors at a port, that the information included in the report is no longer current.
The operator must provide the updated information as soon as practicable.
Examples of voyage changes requiring post PAR reporting include changes in human health status and the detection of insects or animals.
Disembarking crew
It is a requirement for vessel masters or agents to report crew and any travellers that will disembark a vessel at its first point of entry and any subsequent ports while in Australian territory.
MARS must be used by commercial and cruise vessel masters and shipping agents to report intended crew disembarkations in Australian territory, including at the first port of entry and any subsequent ports. This information must be submitted either:
- in the MARS Pre-Arrival Report (PAR).
- as a Disembarking Crew MARS Service Request where disembarkation was not originally notified on the PAR or where any disembarkation information has changed.
MARS notifications to agents for billing
Agents should note that once a PAR or Service Request is submitted by a master or agent, the port, billing and crew agencies each receive an automated email from MARS stating they have been nominated by the master as agents for a particular vessel’s voyage. This is an agent’s first opportunity to manage any amendments. Agents should ensure they are the correctly nominated agents in these emails.
Agents may update details in MARS or contact the National Maritime Centre (NMC) or a biosecurity officer where an agent has been incorrectly nominated by the master as the agent for disembarking crew or ship sanitation requests.
Refer to the recently published Import Industry Advice Notice: www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/203-2025
Further information
Read the Disembarking Crew Quick Reference Guide QRG10: MARS communications and training materials
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 health of crew/passengers, must be reported using MARS as soon as practicable.
- Ensure the correct port, billing and crew agencies are correctly entered in MARS for accurate billing at each disembarkation port.
- 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.
For further clarification regarding maritime matters or the subjects of this Import Industry Advice Notice 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).
View the Vessel webpage for information on Australia’s biosecurity reporting obligations and responsibilities.