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Biosecurity Non-Commercial Vessel News
November 2024 | | | | | | | Welcome to the department's Biosecurity Non-Commercial Vessel News and thanks for subscribing. | | | Mandatory Import Reporting Requirements | | | | As you are aware, our department requires all non-commercial vessel operators to submit a mandatory Non-Commercial Vessel Pre-Arrival Report (PAR), 90 days to 12 hours before arriving in Australian territory.
This isn't, however, the only Australian Government arrival report that non-commercial vessel operators must submit.
Whether you are a returning resident, migrant or a visitor, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has a corresponding Small Craft Arrival Report that must be submitted 96 – 12 hours before you arrive in Australian territory.
Refer to the ABF Yachts and pleasure craft webpages.
In addition to being an offence to leave Australia without ABF clearance, it is also an offence to go ashore without receiving approval from the DAFF and ABF. | | | On Arrival Biosecurity Inspection Preparation | | | | The 5 Ps: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
Keep moods buoyant and avoid delays by being on the same wavelength as our biosecurity officers when you arrive in Australian territory. Complete the following before your biosecurity inspection. - understand Australia's biosecurity regulations and inform all travellers on board of these requirements
- submit a mandatory Non-Commercial Vessel Pre-Arrival Report (PAR) between 90 days – 12 hours before arrival in Australian erritory, which includes the following information:
- overview of the sailing history and timber components of the vessel (history, including refits and treatments). Ensure you have the supporting documentation
- identification of any plants, insects, rodents, birds, pest or animals on board
- confirmation that food and ingredient provisions (meat, eggs, dairy, seeds and plants) are double bagged as biosecurity waste
- yachts are subject to negative pratique and will not be granted pratique until a biosecurity officer has assessed the human health risks
- do not remove any goods including waste from the vessel without approval from a biosecurity officer
- furry family on board? Alert the department and contain/confine your pets securely
- secure the vessel to prevent excessive movement
- ensure all areas of the vessel are accessible for inspection (panels, lockers and cupboards)
- to move panels, personal effects and other equipment from lockers and cupboards as directed
- ensure mattresses/cushions from lounges/beds and any wall or floor coverings are accessible
Biosecurity inspections will only occur in safe conditions during normal operational daylight hours. If you arrive after dark, you will be required to remain on board until an inspection is scheduled for the following day.
Get ship shape by visiting our non-commercial vessel webpage | | | The Constant Threat of Hitchhiker Pests | | | | Hitchhiker pests can 'hitch a ride' to Australian territory on or within your goods on your vessel.
While they are great at hiding and can catch you by surprise, they do leave a trail of evidence. Keep an eye out for: - sawdust and frass (insect droppings and skins)
- small holes in timber, plastic or cardboard
- insect eggs and egg masses
- nests such as those from ants or bees
- snails in a variety of colours, sizes and forms
- mud smears and dirt or soil
If you find something; secure it if possible, and report it through the mandatory Non-Commercial Vessel Pre-Arrival Report (PAR) using the department's web portal.
It is essential that we work together to keep hitchhiker pests out of Australia.
Discover more: Look for hitchhiker pests | | 
| | Help Protect Australia from Avian Influenza | | | | Oh buoy, sailing long distances can be exhausting but imagine how migrating birds feel. There's no wonder these travelling birds might look for help and may hitch a ride on your yacht.
Infectious diseases, like avian influenza, can be bought to Australia by these hitchhiker birds and easily infect and spread disease to our poultry and wild bird populations.
Before arrival in Australian territory, our biosecurity regulations require you to encourage any opportunistic hitchhikers to disembark. Keeping an eye out could prevent exotic diseases entering Australia.
If the sticky-beak refuses to leave, you are required to report the bird in the mandatory Non-Commercial Vessel Pre-Arrival Report (PAR), using the department's web portal.
If the bird cannot be captured or isn't known until you're at the first point of entry, you must immediately notify a biosecurity officer.
To find out more, visit: https://brnw.ch/21wMCHx | | | Ship Sanitation Certification | | | | Our department administers Ship Sanitation Certification (SSC) requirements on behalf of the Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care.
Certification is aimed at controlling the spread of international listed human diseases by controlling any insects who transmit these diseases that could potentially be carried on a vessel.
Non-commercial vessels are exempt from the ship sanitation certification scheme in Australia.
Therefore, our inspectors do not undertake ship sanitation inspections or issue Ship Sanitation Certificates for private non-commercial vessels (sailboats/yachts).
Chartered superyachts are considered commercial vessels. These vessels have shipping agents to manage arrival and reporting. | | | | Seen something usual on the open seas?
Come across something unexpected in your vessel? | | | | Secure It and Report It to our department immediately by phone or using our online form.
All reports will be investigated, and you won't be prosecuted if you or someone you know has accidentally imported risk material.
Pests and diseases can spread quickly over large distances. It's essential that you report what you find as soon as possible. | | | | 
| | If you have any non-commercial vessel topics you have a question on or require more information for a planned visit to Australian territory, email conveyance.maritime@aff.gov.au
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