MARS communications and training materials
The Quick Reference Guides, How to complete the PAR offline form QRG013 PDF 
[1.26 MB, 4 pages] and How to complete the Ballast water report offline form QRG014 PDF [1.36 MB, 4 pages] have recently been updated and translated into seven languages: Hindi, Tagalog, Russian, Greek, Japanese, Simplified Chinese and Korean.
The Quick reference guide, Non-first points of entry QRG05 PDF [780 KB, 2 pages] has been recently updated.
Using the MARS Offline form for itinerary updates
The MARS itinerary update form is for agents and masters to advise the department of changes to a vessel’s itinerary for a voyage.
- Use this form for changes after a PAR has already been submitted, for changes to a vessel’s subsequent port itinerary.
- Masters and agents to complete the form and email it to the MNCC to action.
Getting help for vessel arrivals into Australia
The Department’s Maritime National Coordination Centre (MNCC’s) supports your arrival. MNCC operating hours are between 0600-2100 (ACST). Contact 1300 004 605 (free call in Australia). Outside Australia + 61 8 8201 6185.
Download tools to support the MARS implementation
You can download copies of these products or talk to local biosecurity officers about obtaining a MARS information pack.
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
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MARS and what it means for you
This brochure introduces the reporting obligations for MARS, as well as options for access, registration, inspection, billing and invoicing, and the Biosecurity Status Document (BSD). It also introduces the Vessel Compliance Scheme (VCS) and includes feedback from peak industry bodies and agents that have been involved in MARS testing.
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
| MARS and what it means for you PDF |
12 | 997 KB |
Pest Alert! Do you have stowaways on board?
Be aware of biosecurity risks on board your vessel. This guide is designed to help you identify pests most likely to stowaway on board.
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
| Pest Alert! Do You Have Stowaways on Board? PDF |
16 | 486 KB |
Australia's biosecurity checklist for commercial vessels - Get ready for arrival
A simple checklist tool to help vessel operators get ready for arrival in Australia and prepare the vessel to meet Australia’s biosecurity requirements.
Australia's biosecurity checklist for commercial vessels - Vessel documentation checklist
Vessel Documentation checklist
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
| Australia’s biosecurity checklist for commercial vessels (English) PDF |
1 | 889 KB |
Vessel Compliance Scheme (VCS) for commercial maritime vessels
Building on the Biosecurity Checklist (above), these two VCS products provide full details on how you can comply with Australia’s biosecurity obligations, as well as the consequences of not complying.
The VCS has been designed with the best interest of vessel operators and shipping agents in mind. The scheme has been developed to improve the transparency of the risks biosecurity officers will focus on as part of the inspections, and the consequences of non-compliance.
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
| VCS (brochure) PDF |
2 | 279 KB |
| VCS (poster) PDF |
1 | 204 KB |
MARS Quick Reference Guides (QRGs)
A selection of 2-page Quick Reference Guides are available to assist you with the most common activities when starting to use MARS.
QRGs can be used in conjunction with the detailed MARS User Guides and FAQs.
MARS user guides - Updated 16 March 2017
These two comprehensive user guides provide step-by-step instructions for accessing and using MARS functionality. There are two guides, based on your MARS user roles, as either a vessel master or as an agent. Last updated 16 March 2017.
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
| MARS Vessel Master User Guide PDF |
139 | 6.74 MB |
| MARS Vessel Agent User Guide PDF |
128 | 6.80 MB |
Biosecurity clearance of vessels and MARS interactive eLearning tool
To support the implementation of MARS we have released an interactive learning tool to help our clients and stakeholders gain an understanding of Australia’s biosecurity vessel clearance process, learn about the Vessel Compliance Scheme (VCS) and gain an overview MARS.
This eLearning tool will provide an introduction to the maritime pathway and also explain your biosecurity obligations. The tool introduces the:
- maritime pathway regulatory obligations
- roles and responsibilities
- why and what the department assesses
- the Vessel Compliance Scheme
- MARS and its functionality.
Launch the Biosecurity Clearance of Vessels and MARS Interactive Learning
This learning tool uses Adobe Flash Player. If you experience errors, review your Flash Player settings or access the assistive technology version, select ‘Yes’ in the Before you start window on the index page.
For help accessing the learning tool email MARS or phone 1800 900 090 or + 61 3 8318 6700 (from outside Australia).
© Commonwealth of Australia 2017
The Biosecurity Clearance of Vessels and MARS interactive learning tool (the tool) is protected by copyright. You may download and use the tool and its contents for personal non-commercial use or use within your organisation but you may not otherwise copy or change the tool or its contents. You must not alter or remove any copyright statement or logo included on, or in connection with, the tool. Requests for further authorisation should be directed to the Assistant Secretary, Compliance, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, email MARS.