Maritime security

The federal government, through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, has implemented the new International Maritime Organisation security arrangements, which were introduced on 1 July 2004.

All industry must now address security as an integral part of normal business, and manage that risk using established management approaches.

The federal government developed the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003 to implement the new International Maritime Organisation security regime. In 2005, the Act was extended and renamed the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003*. Under the Act, security plans are required for all ports, port facilities, and certain service providers. The amendments, and Regulations under it, established a legislative basis for also approving plans for offshore oil and gas facilities.

All Queensland security-regulated ports and services were in compliance with the act on 1 July 2004. Security plans were approved for the ports of Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Karumba, Weipa, Skardon River, Thursday Island, Cape Flattery, Mourilyan, Lucinda, Abbot Point and Hay Point.

On 5 February 2009, the Federal Executive Council approved amendments to the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003. These amendments came into affect on 9 February 2009.

Specifically the amendments:

• create a requirement for all ship security officers to meet specified international training standards
• require all security officers to provide 24 hour contact details
• allow offshore facility operators to request the Secretary to declare ship security zones around ships when in the vicinity of an offshore facility
• correct minor drafting errors.

Visit the ComLaw* website for more information on the amendments.

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