31/08/2023
Who does this notice affect?
All vessel owners, operators, masters, and shipping agents who represent international commercial vessels preparing for arrival in Australian territory.
What has changed?
On 23 February 2023, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) amended the ballast water report and updated the offline form to include an increased number of ballast water tanks from 30 to 100 tanks.
A defect in the ballast water report prevented vessels from reporting up to 100 ballast water tanks in MARS. This notice is to advise that the defect has now been rectified.
What do you need to do?
Complete your ballast water report in MARS as usual.
The use of a contingency measure can now be reported through the ballast water report in MARS. By reporting the use of a contingency measure, the vessel operator will be applying for a low-risk exemption and the decision to grant or not grant discharge of the relevant ballast water will be displayed on the Biosecurity Status Documents (BSDs).
Where can you find the forms?
As an alternative to direct MARS access, vessel masters or officers can use offline forms where there is limited or unreliable internet connectivity to meet pre-arrival reporting obligations. From 1 September 2023, the updated ballast water offline form is available for use on the department's webpage: MARS offline forms
Note: Vessel masters and shipping agents should download the latest offline forms to avoid errors and delays when submitting information from the offline forms into MARS.
Vessel masters and shipping agents are reminded:
- to read and understand the Biosecurity Status Document (BSD) directions and conditions and keep a copy of the current document on board the vessel for the duration of the voyage in Australia.
- that a failure to report accurately or comply with a requirement under the Biosecurity Act may result in penalties, including infringement notices, civil penalties, or criminal prosecutions.