New Immigration Clearance Requirements for Crewmembers Of Non-Military Ships
Media Release - DPS 32/2003
New immigration clearance procedures for crewmembers of non-military ships will greatly enhance the accuracy of their identification and improve security arrangements at Australian seaports the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) announced today.
Under the new arrangements, to commence from 1 November 2003, crewmembers of non-military ships that intend to enter Australia as part of their working voyage will be required to carry a valid passport in addition to an identity document during immigration clearance.
The identity document must identify the holder and confirm that the crewmember is a seafarer employed on a vessel for that purpose.
'An identity document would include a document issued to a crewmember,
such as a Sea Service Record Book or Discharge Book,' a DIMIA spokesperson
said.
Currently crewmembers of non-military ships are not obligated to
carry both a passport and identity document. However, once the new
arrangements take effect those who fail to satisfy the requirements
will be refused entry and restricted on board their vessel for the
duration of its stay in Australian waters.
'The vessel itself will be free to conduct its business in Australia, but shipping companies are liable for a penalty of $5,000 for each inadequately documented crewmember they bring into the country,' the DIMIA spokesperson said.
Seafarers who fly to Australia to join a vessel will continue to be required to hold a valid passport and visa for immigration clearance on arrival in Australia. However, they will need to present an identity document in addition to a valid passport when they join their vessel.
Foreign governments and shipping companies have been notified of the change and the Department will continue to work closely with the shipping industry to implement the initiative, which will bring the shipping industry into line with the airline industry.
The new requirement is also the first step in introducing Advance Passenger Processing (APP) for passengers and crew arriving in Australia by sea.
APP is designed to facilitate security checking of people wishing to travel to Australia.
Under legislative changes passed in July 2002 all aircraft and ship operators will be required to provide advance electronic reports on passengers and crew through Australia's existing APP system.
Further information about the new requirements can be obtained by e-mailing DIMIA at airseaportspolicy@immi.gov.au.
19 May 2003
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