Maritime Security Identification Card

(MSIC)

Introduction, Communications and Background Checking Process

June 2006

What is an MSIC?

An MSIC is a nationally recognised security identity card.

It is essential for maritime and port transport industry workers and contractors who work unescorted in maritime security zones at ports, on ships and on offshore oil and gas facilities.

Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)

Expiry Date

Kinegram TEF

Normal Name

Unique Identifier

Why are MSICs being introduced?

A MSIC provides a level of assurance that the holders, have had their operational need, identity and right to work in Australia confirmed. Holders have also been subject to police criminal history checks and security assessments.

The consequence of these checks, reflected in the issue of an MSIC is that the holder is not deemed a threat to maritime security.

Where is an MSIC used?

An MSIC is required to gain unescorted access to a maritime security zone

Maritime security zones include:

- port security zones (within security regulated ports)

- on-board security zones (on Australian regulated

ships) - ship security zones (around any security regulated

ship) - offshore security zones (on and around offshore facilities)

Who needs and MSIC?

If you have an operational need and you require unescorted or unmonitored access to a maritime security zone after 1 January 2007, you will need to display a valid MSIC.

To get your MSIC by this date, you need to apply now.

This includes truck drivers, train drivers and operators (i.e. signalman) customs brokers and forwarders.

Operational Need

An operational need means that your occupation or business interests require, or will require you to have unescorted or unmonitored access to a maritime security zone more than once a year.  

Operational need includes those people who have a connection with the industry either through formal qualifications or employment history and are either between jobs or looking to enter or re-enter the industry.

Applying for an MSIC

How and where do you get an MSIC?

Steps employers and supervisors need to take

• Determine who will need unmonitored or unescorted access to a maritime security zone

• Select one of the approved issuing bodies and establish arrangements with that organisation

• Ensure your staff know their obligations for getting an MSIC

• Provide MSIC information to all staff who need an MSIC; provide details of the MSIC issuing body they are to use

• Ensure staff who need an MSIC have applied before the specified date

• Recognise that processing high volumes of MSIC applications takes time

Where to get MSIC

• MSIC Issuing bodies

• Around 20 approved MSIC issuing bodies

• A further 4 under review

• Full contact details are listed on the DOTARS website:

• www.dotars.gov.au/transport/security/maritime/msic.aspx

The MSIC issuing body’s role

• provide application forms and guidance to applicants

• confirm an applicant’s identity

• confirm an applicant’s operational need

• confirm an applicant’s right to work in Australia

• collect an applicant’s photograph

• process applications, direct applicants to forward their police check requests and consent forms to AFP

• securely produce and issue MSICs to successful applicants

Steps the MSIC applicant needs to take

• Complete and return an application form, with required attachments

• Prove you need an MSIC – operational need.

• Provide proof of identity

• Provide proof of the right to work in Australia

• Sign a consent form and mail direct to AFP, agreeing to Australian Federal Police (AFP) - criminal history check and ASIO security assessment

• Provide a photo or have one taken by your MSIC issuing body

How long is the MSIC valid?

A standard MSIC is valid for 5 years from the date of the last background check.

A provisional MSIC is issued to people under 18 years of age. This is valid only until 6 months after the holder’s 18th birthday. A standard MSIC must be held after this date.

Informing staff about MSIC

Communications support from the Department

MSIC materialsMSIC materials• MSIC brochures, posters & conditions of use card

• MSIC project plan/timeline to match revised rollout

• MSIC moving message signs

• Merchandise – water bottles

• Editorials – industry media and stakeholder channels

• Notice board text – for newsletters and internal bulletins

• Letters in support of MIPs – apply now

• Letter to rail industry – apply now

• Visual explanation of MSIC application process

• Truckers’ MSIC poster and brochures

• MSIC PowerPoint – explanation of the scheme

MSIC Background Checking Process

MSIC Assessment Process

Request for further information

Advice to issue or not issue MSIC

Applicant

Issuing Body

AFP ASIO

DOTARS Assessment

Maritime Security Relevant Offences - MTOFSR Table 6.07C

Disqualifying (no provision for reconsideration)

1. An offence mentioned in Chapter 5 of the Criminal Code – these include - treason, espionage and harming Australians

2. Supply of goods (such as weapons or missiles) for a Weapons of Mass Destruction program

3. An offence involving hijacking or destruction of an aircraft or vessel

Maritime Security Relevant Offences - MTOFSR Table 6.07C (2)

Exclusionary (reconsideration possible)

- An offence involving treachery, sabotage, sedition, inciting mutiny, unlawful drilling; or destroying or damaging Commonwealth property

- An offence involving interference with aviation, maritime transport infrastructure or an offshore facility; including carriage of dangerous goods on board an aircraft or ship; or endangering the security of an aerodrome, port or offshore facility

Maritime Security Relevant Offences - MTOFSR Table 6.07C (3)

6. An identity offence involving counterfeiting, or falsification of identity documents, or assuming another individual’s identity

7. Transnational crime involving money laundering or another crime associated with organised crime or racketeering

8. People smuggling and related offences

9. An offence involving the importing, exporting, supply or production of weapons, explosives, or a trafficable quantity of drugs

Green (no maritime security relevant offences with imprisonment) – Approved

Orange (Criminal History) - • Assess offences to determine if they are

maritime-security-related?• If necessary, seek and consider further

information provided by applicant

MSIC issuing body and applicant advised of

DOTARS decision to issue or not issue an MSIC

DOTARS Assessment

Review and Appeals

Three means of reconsideration:

1. Ask DOTARS (Background Checking Unit) to review decision not to issue an MSIC

2. Ask Secretary to review decision not to issue an MSIC

3. Make application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of decision not to issue an MSIC

Consequence of Delay

05

1015

2025

3035

100%

Probable

ASIC/MSIC

2 YEARS

5 YEARS

2 YEARS 2 YEARSASIC

MSIC

If you have an ASIC, you must still apply for an MSIC but you do not need to undergo a background check again.

However, your MSIC will only be valid for the same period as your existing ASIC. That is, 2 years from the date of the last background check for the ASIC.

The MSIC hotline

More information about the MSIC Scheme can be obtained by contacting the MSIC hotline:

1800 052 002

Hours: 24/7

or send an email to marsecID@dotars.gov.au