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 allows the holder to remain, with lawful reason, unmonitored within a maritime security zone.

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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. 

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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. 

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

​What is involved in a background check for an MSIC?

 

Once your application has been processed by Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) MSIC Office, it will then be submitted to AusCheck to complete the background check. Please read the AusCheck Privacy Notice for more information. 

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Background checks are conducted by the following agencies:

• CrimTrac will check the applicant’s criminal history in the database of all Australian legal jurisdictions and supply a copy of the criminal record to AusCheck. This is for individuals over 18 years of age.

• The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) will conduct a security assessment on the applicant’s background and any past activities that may indicate a threat to national security. ASIO will determine if the applicant poses a politically motivated violent threat to the maritime industry. ASIO will return their assessment to AusCheck. This is for all applicants regardless of age.

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For more information, view the maritime security relevant offences outlined in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Relations 2003.

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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.

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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.

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​What is an adverse criminal record?

 

A person has an adverse criminal record if he or she has 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).

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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.

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What if my MSIC application is refused?

 

GPC can refuse to process an application for an MSIC if:

• the MSIC Application Form is incomplete

• the applicant does not provide the requisite proof of identity

• the applicant does not provide proof of an operational need to hold an MSIC.

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In these instances, the application will not be processed until all requirements are met.

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.

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​What is a valid MSIC?

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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.