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Port of Mackay Security Information

Frequently Asked Questions

1: I have heard of the ISPS Code - what does this mean?

This stands for the International Ship and Port Security Code. It is sometimes referred to simply as 'The Code'. It is a code against which signatory countries have prepared national security legislation and developed individual port security plans. Its purpose is to assist in the control of maritime industry terrorism attacks.

2: When does it take effect from?

From 1st July 2004 - not just for the Port of Mackay but for all Australian and International ports, and ships over 500 gross registered tonnes, trading internationally.

3: What Australian Act refers to Maritime Security?

The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003

4: What is an MSIC?

The MSIC will be a nationally consistent identification card which shows that the holder has met the minimum security requirements to remain unmonitored within a maritime security zone. Before an MSIC can be issued, applicants must undergo background checking conducted through the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

5: Who needs an MSIC ?

People who may be affected by the MSIC Scheme include:

• port, port facility and port service workers,
• stevedores,
• transport operators such as train and truck drivers
• seafarers on Australian regulated ships and
• people who work on and/or supply offshore oil and gas facilities

Further information on the MSIC process is available from the Office of Transport Security website.

6: How do I apply for a MSIC

For more information go to the Mackay Ports Download page

7: What are the different levels of security and how will I know what level applies?

There are three security threat levels - 1, 2 and 3:

• Level 1 is the first level of alert and is likely to be the 'normal' port operational security level for the foreseeable future;
• Level 2 is implemented when there is a heightened risk of a terrorist event;
• Level 3 means that a security event is imminent.

Mackay Ports Limited does not declare these levels but is required to comply with legislated actions when Security Levels are declared by the Secretary of DoTaRS. The level which currently applies will be indicated by a sign at the entrance gates and further changes will be communicated to each work site by the most expedient means.

8: Our security previously focused on the criminal aspect but now the focus has widened to include terrorist aspects - how can I help in this?

By looking at everything with new eyes - think about strange behaviours, strange and unfamiliar objects and packages, and bring anything considered unusual to the attention of Security especially if you notice that a container, package or object has been tampered with.

Be aware, and look out for:

• Strange people
• Strange behaviours
• Strange vehicles
• Strange items
• Strange documents

9: Who administers the Security Plan at the Port of Mackay?

The Mackay Ports Limited's Manager Operations and WHS, has been nominated as Mackay Ports Limited's Port Security Officer. All Mackay Ports Limited's Port Officers have been trained to a level where they are authorised to operate Mackay Ports Limited's Port Security Plan. They are responsible to the Port Security Officer for administering the Plan and for liaison with respective Ship's Security Officers.

10: Given that the new security environment covers vessels as well, who looks after security on board an international vessel?

A ship is required to have a Ship Security Officer (SSO). This is normally the vessel's Master but it could be another officer. Passenger vessels carry dedicated security teams.

11: Is a small fishing vessel required to comply?

The Code covers vessels over 500 tonnes trading internationally. A fishing vessel may have a lesser tonnage and therefore does not need its own Security Plan. However, it is a condition of entry to the Security Regulated Port that the Master accepts the security conditions required by the Port Security Plan and all directions from the Port Security Officer if the vessel wishes to enter the Security Regulated Port or use port facilities.

12: What changes has the port made to the physical layout?

Mackay Ports Limited has a new primary entrance to the Port adjacent to its workshop complex on Harbour road. This entrance has 2 inward lanes and currently 1 exit lane. A second exit lane will be established by late 2005. All entrances / exits are fitted with control gates, electronic sensors and surveillance cameras. A second electronically controlled gate has been installed on the northern side of the Port, at the eastern end of Edmund Casey Drive. Pedestrian access gates have been installed connecting to the Marina complex, and at Harbour Road and Edmund Casey Drive access points. These gates will be electronically controlled and under constant CCTV surveillance.

At security level 1 these gates and checkpoints will be controlled remotely. At security threat levels 2 and 3, all access points will be manned.

New security fencing has been installed, creating a security cordon around the entire Port operations area. Sophisticated CCTV surveillance equipment has been installed to monitor that cordon as well as waterside and landside activities within the Security Regulated Port.

13: What are the Restricted Zones?

The core operations area of the Port of Mackay is considered to be the Security Regulated Port (SRP). This extends from the eastern approach to #5 wharf on the northern side, around the fence line surrounding Graincorp and the Bulk Sugar Terminal, along the western boundary of the Mackay Ports Limited Workshop complex, across Harbour road, around the Crokers' site, along the western side of the Shell and Mobil terminals, along the southern boundary of the Mobil terminal, north along Hamilton Drive to the Port Operations office, eastward along the south side of Harbour Road, along the fence line south of the tallow, invert and molasses terminals, eastward along the south side of the inner breakwater and northward to the eastern approach of #1 wharf.

All land areas marked in pink on the attached plan, and all water areas marked in blue, are Security Restricted Zones as detailed in the following map.

14: Will I be able to gain access to the operational area of the port?

Only if you have a verifiable reason for entering this area and if before entry you have arranged to have a temporary access card issued by Port Security or by the port facility with which your visit is associated. You will be required to carry and display this card whilst on site, and also be able to provide acceptable photo Identification (driver's licence, passport etc) if challenged by Security Guards.

15: Will these changes affect Cruise ships / Warships and access to them?

Yes. Unauthorised access is not permitted to the Security Regulated Port under any circumstances. Cruise vessel and warship access may be accessible by visitors, but only under strict predetermined arrangements (eg if they are bussed by an authorised carrier to the berth, and out of the Security Regulated Port areas under the control of a PSG). Prior arrangements for such visits will be coordinated between the PSO and the SSO.

16: What controls are on water side access to the Port?

All areas of the Security Regulated Port of the Port of Mackay are off limits to all but authorised commercial vessels, unless permissions has been obtained from the Regional Harbour Master for the conduct of an Aquatic Event and the relevant application has been lodged and approved. Such permission will incorporate the specific areas for which access is authorised. In any event, any directions issued by the Port Security Officer must be obeyed.

17: Will I be able to fish in the harbour?

No - with the exception of from the Southern Breakwater. All unauthorised access to the Security Regulated Port is disallowed.

18: Will I be able to fish from the Northern Breakwater?

No . The Northern Breakwater is an integral part of the Security Regulated Port's security cordon

19: Will the Southern Breakwater be accessible?

Yes. Under normal conditions. At security threat assessment level 1, access to the Southern Breakwater will remain unchanged At security threat assessment level 2, access to the Southern Breakwater may be restricted during some shipping movements. At security threat assessment level 3 access to the Southern Breakwater will be denied.

20: Will I be able to be dropped off at work inside the security cordon?

No. Unauthorised vehicles will not be permitted within the Security Regulated Port. If for example, an authorised person is driven to work by a family member, the authorised person will be permitted pedestrian access only. The vehicle will not be permitted to enter or exit if containing any unauthorised person/s.

21: What is an authorised vehicle?

This is a vehicle being driven by the holder of a Port Security Identification Card, or a vehicle under the control of Statutory Government emergency or security services, such as QAS, QFRS, Police, or Customs and only containing authorised persons.

22: Given these new controls how can I, as having a verifiable reason to enter the security regulated port (as a contractor working on the port, oil company employee etc) expedite my entry into the port?

By faxing, phoning or emailing 24 hours in advance your reasons for seeking entry to the port including your Identification and vehicle details to the Port Security office.

23: I need to call in a contractor urgently to fix a problem with a piece of my plant - how do I expedite his entry?

The process is covered above. For genuine emergency breakdown call outs, the 24 hour requirement for pre-notification may be waived by the Port Security Officer. There are no exceptions to the entry checking process.

24: I have a business and verifiable reason to visit a ship, what is the process for entering the port?

After the above process has been completed and after having your Identitity cleared you will be issued with a 'one time' Visitor's Pass. The details will be recorded and this enables identification of all persons within the Security Regulated Port (a Workplace Health & Safety benefit) so that appropriate and prompt actions can be instigated should there be a change in the Security Level, or other emergency. The Visitor's Pass is to be exhibited at all times and returned to the Security Office on leaving the port.

25: Do ship's crew have the same controls?

Definitely - they have to undergo the same ID check process. The Ship's Security Officer will provide the PSO with the ship's crew list prior to arrival. Australian Customs and Australian Immigration officers may be involved in cross-checking crew members identification details.

26: If I am not allowed to take my car into the Restricted Zone, where do I park and how do I get to the ship or work area?

A pedestrian gate will be installed at the Harbour Road gate entrance to the Security Regulated Port, and authorised persons may elect to either walk to their destination, or arrange someone from their onsite work area to pick them up.

27: I have heard about photo IDs being required - what does this mean to me?

Entry into the Security Regulated Port will require you to be positively identified - no exceptions are permitted. Mackay Ports Limited will provide a suitable photo ID to authorised persons, upon application, for a fee. If you are a temporary visitor requiring access, a temporary card will be issued only if you are able to provide positive identification.

28: What are the alternative IDs accepted by Security Officers for visitor card issue?

The minimum requirements for an ID are simple - it must have the name of the issuing authority, your photo, your name and it must be tamper proof. Most people carry a Driver's Licence - this is an acceptable item of personal identification. Other alternatives are (1) a passport (2) a Queensland or Australian Government ID card (3) A Seafarer's Card

29: Can my car be searched?

Yes - this is known as screening. We are required to randomly search a minimum number of all vehicles entering the Security Regulated Port at security threat assessment level 1. At other levels this frequency of search increases. This procedure is a non-negotiable condition of entry to the Security Regulated Port. Signage will reinforce this so that a visitor is not surprised.

30: What about stores and equipment going to a vessel?

These are liable to the same screening and pre-notification as described above.

31: Will I have to show ID when boarding a vessel?

Each vessel over 500 tonnes trading internationally is required to have an approved Security Plan. This will also require anyone seeking to board the vessel to be subject to similar ID controls as the Port Security Plan.

32: Can minors enter the port?

Minors are discouraged from entering operational areas, primarily from the perspective of Workplace Health and Safety. Minors may temporarily enter the Security Regulated Port if they remain in a vehicle but they will still need to satisfy the port's ID requirements.

33: I have heard someone mention 'Marine Exclusion Zones' - isn't this going a bit overboard?

No. It is a legislative compliance obligation to implement a special boundary around certain ship types or areas. This would generally be on the basis of the presence of a tanker, passenger vessel warship or vessel requiring a Declaration of Security in the port, special intelligence being received, or security threat levels being elevated to levels 2 or 3.

34: If a security alert requires evacuation of an area, how will this be accommodated?

The emergency evacuation procedure will be initiated by the Duty Port Officer. All facilities within the Security Regulated Port will be notified by phone and or radio. A siren situated at #1 wharf and at the Operations Office will sound continuously. At this point all persons within the cordon will be required to make their way to the assembly point (Mackay Ports Limited workshop carpark) and await further instructions.

35: Can I be fined for breaching security?

Yes. The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act and Regulations gives the Federal Government the power to impose very large fines on persons in breach of security regulations.

36: Who do I contact if I have further questions about the new security measures?

Operations Support Officer
Bernie Hayes
Phone: 0749555107
Mobile: 0434604351
Email: Operations Support Officer

Duty Port Officer
Phone: 4955 8171 or
24 Hours: 4955 5107 (24 hr)
Mobile: 0417 761 086
VHF: Ch 16
Email: Duty Port Officer

Port Security Officer
John Kraft
Phone: 4955 8174
Mobile: 0408 558 174
Email: Port Security Officer

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