Port Access

Port Access

All personnel (employees, contractors, Port Users, agents and other service providers) who require unescorted access to any of the Ports managed by Southern Ports must have:

  • A current Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) or Port Access Card (PAC) or Limited Area Access Card (Port of Bunbury only);
  • A Letter of Operational Need provided by their employer; and needs to have
  • Successfully completed the Southern Ports Health, Safety, Environment and Security (HSES) Induction, and had their access card activated by the relevant port office during office hours (this will need to be arranged with the relevant port directly)


There are two types of access:

  1. Port Access for Landside Restricted Zone (LRZ) and Waterside Restricted Zone (WRZ): 

    A Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) is required for this level of access. A Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) is a card used to identify a person who has been approved following a background check to ensure Australian-wide port security. It shows that a holder has met the security requirements to work unescorted or unmonitored in a Maritime Security Zone. 

    To apply for a Maritime Security Identification Card contact Veritas at https://www.msic.net.au/apply.   

    Where your MSIC does not have a compatible access chip you will need to provide a Letter of Operational Need and will need to purchase an additional access swipe card.


    PLEASE NOTE: CHANGES TO MSIC ISSUING BODY

    From Thursday 3 April 2025, Southern Ports is no longer managing or issuing MSICs. The Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs authorised the transfer of MSIC issuing responsibilities from Southern Ports to Veritas Engineering Pty Ltd, a Commonwealth-authorised MSIC Issuing Body.   Read more here. 

    While Southern Ports will no longer be issuing MSICs, it will continue issuing Access Cards as required.

    For more information on Veritas and Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) please click here.

     

  2.  Limited Area Access (Port of Bunbury only)

    A specific Access card is required for this zone.  This card is used to identify a person who has been the subject of a 100 point identification check. It shows that a holder has met the security requirements to work unescorted or unmonitored in the Limited Access Port Area which is a security controlled boundary (excluding Maritime Security Zones). 

 

COSTS

Costs for Port Access Cards are as follows:

Card typeCard Charges (inc GST)
Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)See Veritas
Access Cards (including Limited Area Access Card)$50
Replacement Access Card$100

 

INDUCTION

Prior to receiving an access card you must complete the Southern Ports Induction. To access the Southern Ports Induction Portal, please click the link below.

 

FORMS