Do I need an MSIC?

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

It shows that the holder has met minimum security requirements to work unescorted or unmonitored in a maritime security zone.

The MSIC is not an access card. Pilbara Ports still controls access to its maritime security zones, which is completed through a seperate process. For more information about accessing a one of our Ports, please head to our Site Induction  page. 

MSIC’s are valid for either four years or two years. Those with a four-year card must undergo a second background check after two years.

If your occupation or business interests require you to have unescorted or unmonitored access to a maritime security zone at least once a year, you will need an MSIC.

People who fall into this category may include:

• Port, port facility and port service workers
• Stevedores
• Transport operators (ie: train and truck drivers)
• Seafarers on Australian regulated ships
• People who work on and/or supply offshore oil and gas facilities

You will also need to submit an operational needs letter from your employer or maritime industry participant stating that you have an operational need to work unescorted in a maritime security zone.

If you do not require access to a maritime security zone more than once a year, you may still enter these zones as an escorted visitor.

Once your MSIC application has been lodged, the issuing body will:

• Confirm your identity
• Approve your operational need for a MSIC
• Request an Auscheck background check
• Confirm your right to work in Australia (if necessary).

AusCheck is responsible for coordinating background checks of MSIC applicants and people who are involved in the issue of MSIC’s.

Background checks include:

• A criminal records check undertaken by CrimTrac
• A security assessment conducted by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
• A crimnial assessment conducted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence commission (ACIC)
• Confirmation that non-Australian citizens have a right to work in Australia.

If you are concerned about privacy of your personal details, read the AusCheck Privacy Notice.

An MSIC may not be issued to applicants with an adverse criminal record.

In certain circumstances, these individuals may undergo our discretionary MSIC issuing process.

For more information on the discretionary MSIC process, please contact AusCheck on 1300 097 974.

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).

If your MSIC is refused, you will be informed of the reason for the decision and your legal rights for a reconsideration or appeal.

You can submit your appeal to Department of Home Affairs here. 

If you believe that your criminal history certificate has offences listed incorrectly, you should contact AusCheck on 1300 097 974 to arrange a correction to your record.

As of the 23 August 2021, the Department of Home Affairs implemented a new criteria in which MSIC applicants are assessed against. A maritime security relevant offence is an offence under Tier 1, 2 or 3 of Schedule 1 of the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations (2003) or similar offences against a law of a State or Territory, or of any other country or part of a country.

Tier 1 offences

The following table lists offences that are Tier 1 maritime‑security‑relevant offences.

Tier 2 offences

The following table lists offences that are Tier 2 maritime‑security‑relevant offences.

Tier 3 offences

The following table lists offences that are tier 3 maritime‑security‑relevant offences.

Please note that speeding fines, parking tickets, general driving offences and minor drug offences are not considered to be maritime security relevant offences.

More information can be found here.