Maritime Industry Security Deadline Approaching

D3/2004

18 February 2004

The deadline for Australian maritime industry security plans to be submitted to the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) is fast approaching.

On the eve of Natship 2004 - the fourth National Shipping Industry Conference, Andrew Tongue, First Assistant Secretary of the Office of Transport Security within DOTARS, said industry participants had until 1 March to submit their plans if the Australian maritime industry was to be ready for the 1 July International Maritime Organization (IMO) enforcement deadline.

"We do not have a choice here, it is as simple as that - if a maritime industry participant does not have its plan in to us by 1 March, there is a risk the plan may not be approved and implemented by the 1 July deadline," Mr Tongue said.

"The theme of this year's Natship conference is Charting a course for safety, security and service, reflecting the growing importance and significance of maritime security.

"The team at the new Office of Transport Security within DOTARS has already received a number of security plans and is liaising with industry through the assessment process.

"There are still a number of plans to come in and I cannot overstate the need to meet this important counter-terrorism deadline which is also vital for the Australian economy and our trade arrangements.

"My staff are here and available to help industry through the process and there is explanatory and guidance material available on our web site.

The Australian Government has allocated $15.6 million for this year and next to improve Australia's port and maritime security. These funds cover the development of legislation, guidance to industry, compliance work, auditing security plans and their implementation and checking the compliance of foreign vessels.

"The maritime industry is not starting from scratch. Many ports, port facilities and ships have already implemented measures to deal with workplace safety and public liability concerns which may assist them to demonstrate an appropriate contribution to effective maritime preventive security," Mr Tongue said.

Guidance material is available from the Department's website or by calling the Office of Transport Security on 1300 734 950

Media contact:
Jacqui Jones; Communications Unit (02) 6274 8011
Kate Robinson; Communications Unit (02) 6274 8059