The Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)

A Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) is a card used to identify a person who has been the subject of a background check to ensure Australia-wide port security.

It shows that a holder has met the security requirements to work unescorted or unmonitored in a Maritime Security Zone. 

All personnel applying for a new MSIC or renewing an MSIC must complete an MSIC Awareness Induction as well as an HSES Induction, both found on the Southern Ports Induction Portal.

MSIC Office Contact Details

FAQs

Find below a series of frequently asked questions related to the MSIC process. Click on any question to expand the section.

1. What is an MSIC?

An MSIC is a nationally recognised ID card that demonstrates the owner has met the necessary background check requirements to work within a Maritime Security Zone. The purpose of the card is to help keep Australian ports safe, as it provides assurance that the holder is not a threat to maritime security.

An MSIC is only issued after a criminal background check and a security assessment (conducted by ASIO) are successfully completed.

2. Do I need an MSIC?

If you operate within the maritime industry and require unmonitored access to a Maritime Security Zone, you need an MSIC. This card became a compulsory requirement on 1 January 2007. Maritime Security Zones within the Southern Ports includes all wharves, as well as adjacent areas within the permanent security

3. Who is excluded from holding an MSIC?

Under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003, the following people do not require an MSIC to enter a Maritime Security Zone:

Law enforcement officers who are on duty and able to display appropriate ID without an inherent risk to their personal safety. This includes:

• A member of the Australian Federal Police.
• A member of the police force of a State or a Territory.
• A customs officer as prescribed in the regulations, i.e. customs officers attached to a Customs district officer or to the Northern Territory or Tasmanian Customs regional offices.
• Customs officers who are assigned customs duties associated with intelligence activities, passenger processing; compliance, or investigation or enforcement of border and cargo matters. 

4. Does an MSIC allow me entry to ports around Australia?

Yes. The MSIC is a national card, typically usable for any port in Australia, provided you meet their access requirements. Please contact the specific port for confirmation or other requirements.

5. How do I apply for an MSIC?

To apply for an MSIC, please complete the following steps:

1. Complete the MSIC Awareness video through the Southern Ports Induction Portal. 
2. Complete the MSIC Online Application Form. Contact the relevant SPA office if you cannot complete this form for any reason.
3. Contact the relevant SPA office to arrange an appointment to present your documents (contact details at top of page).
4. Bring the appropriate identity documents and a letter from your employer validating your need for access to the respective Southern Ports administered Port at least once a year. (Or from the company contracting you if you are a sub-contractor). A template for this letter can be found here.

You will need to complete a Southern Ports Induction prior to accessing any of the Ports. This is available on the Southern Ports Induction Portal.

6. How do I renew my MSIC?

To renew your MSIC, please complete the following steps:

1. Complete the MSIC Awareness video through the Southern Ports Induction Portal.
2. Complete the MSIC Online Application Form. Contact the relevant SPA office if you cannot complete this form for any reason.
3. Contact the relevant SPA office to arrange an appointment to present your documents (contact details at top of page).
4. Bring the appropriate identity documents and a letter from your employer validating your need for access to the respective Southern Ports administered port at least once a year. (Or from the company contracting you if you are a sub-contractor.)

7. What does an MSIC cost?

Current MSIC Charges (inc GST)	Albany	Bunbury	Esperance
Standard MSIC – two years (new or renewal)	$250	$250	$250
Standard MSIC – four years (new or renewal)	$350	$350	$350
Replacement MSIC	$50	$50	$100
Provisional MSIC	$129	$250	$129
Access Card	$47	$50	$47
Replacement Access Card	$47	$50	$47

 

8. How and when do I make payment?

Unless otherwise arranged with the Port, payment is accepted by EFTPOS or by cheque at the MSIC office. Purchase orders are not accepted, and payment must be made before MSIC applications are processed or Access inductions take place.

9. What does the background check involve?

A background check is performed on existing MSIC holders every two years. If your card expires in four years, you will be checked twice. When you sign your MSIC application, you give consent for a background check to be completed by AusCheck. This involves:

1. A criminal history check.
2. A security assessment conducted by ASIO.

 

If ASIO recommends an applicant should not be issued an MSIC, the applicant may ask for the decision to be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. If the appeal is not successful, or if the applicant does not make an appeal, he or she cannot enter a Maritime Security Zone.

 ASIO’s security assessment investigates your background, including any past activities that may indicate a threat to national security. ASIO assesses whether a person is politically motivated to pose a threat of violence or unlawful harm, in Australia or elsewhere.

10. How does the MSIC work?

An MSIC is not an access control card and does not enable entry to every facility within a maritime security zone. In order to reduce the number of cards a person must carry Southern Ports embeds an access component into its MSIC card. This creates an ‘all in one’ access card.

If your MSIC is issued by another organisation, and cannot be programmed for access, you will need to purchase a separate gate pass for $47.

11. How long is my MSIC valid for?

An MSIC is valid for two or four years. Unless the holder leaves the regulated maritime environment for 12 months or more or no longer needs to be within a Maritime Security Zone.

12. Where do I wear my MSIC?

Your MSIC is a card, which must be clearly visible when you are within a defined Maritime Security Zone. The card must be worn above waist height at the front of your body, with the whole front clearly visible. These instructions are mandated under the Marine Transport Offshore Facilities Security Regulations.

13. What if my MSIC is stolen or lost?

If an MSIC is lost or stolen the holder must make a statutory declaration. If stolen, a police report must also be made, which outlines the circumstances of the loss. This police report should then be submitted to the MSIC issuing body within seven days of the theft. A replacement card or a temporary card may then be issued.

14. What happens if I change my name?

An MSIC is invalid one month after the holder changes his or her name. If you are changing your name, please advise the issuing body as soon as possible to obtain a replacement card under your new name. Charges apply for new or replacement cards.

15. Is my MSIC valid if I have been convicted of an offence?

As of 1 December 2010, anyone who holds an MSIC must notify AusCheck, or their issuing body, if they have been convicted of an offence relating to maritime security. Notification should be made in writing. Anyone who fails to notify the appropriate issuing body is committing an offence.

FORMS

• MSIC Application Form
• Letter of Operational Need
• Port Access Card (Bunbury Only)
• MSIC Update and Change of Address Form

INFORMATION

• Auscheck Privacy Notice
• MSIC Information for Cardholders and Applicants