Home > Ports and trade > Port access and safety > MSIC > Do I need an MSIC?

Do I need an MSIC?

Also in this section

  • Do I need an MSIC?
  • MSIC responsibilities
  • Return an MSIC

    • What is an MSIC?

    An MSIC is a nationally consistent identification card that shows that the holder has met the minimum-security requirements to remain unmonitored within a maritime security zone. While the MSIC is not an access card, it allows the holder to remain, with lawful reason, unmonitored within a maritime security zone.

    Your MSIC is:

    • a Maritime Security Identification Card
    • a card that belongs to the individual
    • a card that can be used at any port in Australia.

    Your MSIC is not:

    • an access card — site specific access will be granted by the relevant terminal operator
    • the property of the employer — regardless of who makes payment for an MSIC the card belongs to the INDIVIDUAL and cannot be retained by the employer if your employment ceases.

    Who needs an MSIC?

    An applicant must have an occupation or business related need to have unmonitored access to a maritime security zone.

    This is called an operational need and may include persons such as:

    • port, port facility and port service workers
    • stevedores
    • transport operators such as train and truck drivers
    • seafarers on Australian security regulated ships
    • people who work on and/or supply offshore oil and gas facilities.

    Applicants MUST provide evidence of operational need in the form of a letter from one of the following:

    • your employer
    • a port facility with whom you are engaged
    • a maritime industry participant.

    This Letter of Operational Need contains all information required for acceptance.

    What is involved in a background check for an MSIC?

    AusCheck will conduct and coordinate a background check using the information you provide to you issuing body. The outcome of these background checks affects your eligibility to be issued and to hold an MSIC. Please read the AusCheck Privacy Notice for more information

    When conducting a background check, AusCheck will disclose your personal information to:

    • The Department: AusCheck will disclose your personal information to other parts of the Department to electronically verify your identification, or to check your citizenship status or your legal right to work in Australia. This information may also be used for immigration compliance purposes
    • Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) criminal record check and criminal intelligence assessment: The ACIC will check your criminal record in the databases of all Australian legal jurisdictions and supply a copy of your criminal record to AusCheck. AusCheck will provide you with an opportunity to review your security-relevant offences before finalising the eligibility assessment. If you dispute the details of these offences, you are required to contact AusCheck in the first instance. AusCheck can provide details of your dispute to the ACIC, but you may need to contact the relevant police in the jurisdiction in which these offences occurred to directly query your criminal record.
    • The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Will assess your background and any past activities to determine whether there could be a threat to national security. ASIO will keep your information and use if for national security purposes, including those purposes set out in the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979.

    What if I have a criminal record?

    If an adverse criminal history or security assessment is received and AusCheck make a finding that the applicant is not eligible to hold an MSIC, the applicant and Issuing Body will be notified in writing.

    GPC will only receive approvals or adverse findings from AusCheck, they will not have access to any information contained within those checks. If your application is unsuccessful, AusCheck will give you written reasons as to why and will also provide you with advice on the appeals process.

    If you are unsuccessful in your appeal or choose not to appeal, you will not be permitted to enter a maritime security zone.

    What is an adverse criminal record?

    A person has an adverse criminal record if they have been convicted of a maritime security relevant offence and sentenced to imprisonment for the offence (including a suspended sentence, periodic detention, home-based detention, and detention until the rising of the court).

    What is a maritime security relevant offence?

    A maritime security relevant offence is an offence under Part 1 and Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.

    What if my MSIC application is refused?

    If your MSIC is refused by AusCheck, you will be informed of the reason for the decision and your legal rights for a reconsideration or appeal.

    What is a valid MSIC?

    An MSIC must meet specific requirements to be considered valid:

    • it must be issued in accordance with Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003
    • it must not be altered or defaced in anyway
    • it must not be expired, suspended or cancelled
    • the person who shows or displays it is the person to whom it was issued.