Replacing Maps of Security Zones

In the three years since Australia's maritime security regime was introduced we have seen a number of incidents of unlawful entry into maritime security zones. In some cases these have led to prosecutions being undertaken by State or Commonwealth authorities. Experience gained in relation to administering and enforcing the MTOFSA during this period has shown that there is some merit in shoring up the statutory elements relating to the establishment of maritime security zones.

These elements include:

• Ensuring that the Port Operator receives written notice from the Secretary establishing each proposed zone.
• Ensuring that any industry participant who controls an area within an established maritime security zone is provided with written notification of the zone's establishment.
• Ensuring that the map of the port within which the security zone is proposed clearly shows the boundary of the security zone.

The last point has required OTS to request some security zone maps to either be updated or replaced.

To assist with this, guidance for mapping and Guidelines for Describing Maritime Security Zones has been provided [PDF: 229 KB]

How to replace your maritime security zone maps

Updated maps can be submitted by lodging them with the Department as Maritime Security Plan (MSP) Variations. This will enable OTS to officially replace the less suitable map with the updated version.

Please note that if the only change to your original maps is that we have asked for a coloured version, this will not trigger a MSP Variation to be lodged under s. 54 of the Act. Coloured security zone map replacements can be sent directly to transport.security@infrastructure.gov.au.

If when updating your maps, changes are made to security zone boundaries that alter the size, scope and/or operation of original security zones, be aware that such changes may affect the security outcome of your MSP. All changes need to comply with the Security Risk Assessment provided by you with your security plan.

Also be aware that if the size and scope of security zones are changed, your MSP may need to be revised to reflect these changes. This may mean that changes will also need to be made to the section of your security plan that outlines your proposed security zone, its perimeter and its operation.

Guidance on requesting variations and revisions can be found here as well as example of forms which can be used to make the request.

Following the receipt of replaced maps OTS will then be able to progress the re-establishment of your maritime security zone/s.

All requests are to be lodged with:

Office of Transport Security Operations Centre
email: transport.security@infrastructure.gov.au
Fax: 02 6274 6089

PDF: In order to download or print PDF versions of documents, you need to have Adobe Reader installed. If you don't have Adobe Reader installed, download the installer from the Adobe Reader web page and then install the Reader before continuing.

Disclaimer: The compatible application(s) listed above are examples only. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government does not endorse any particular software developer or specific application.