Formalities

Formalities and Information

Pre - Arrival
Up to 96 hours prior to arriving in Australian waters, the master of the ship or an authorised agent should report in to the authorities including Australian Customs, Quarantine (AQIS), Immigration and relevant port authorities. AUSREP and REEFVTS are important systems of reporting and communication which all superyachts should utilise for safety.

Read more about Pre-Arrival steps for superyachts

Australian Customs
Where the voyage is less than 96 hours cruising, you should contact Customs to determine the required reporting format. The report must include details of the vessel, persons on board, specific arrival details (time, place, previous ports of call), and manifest of any commercial cargo being conveyed to Australia. When you arrive in Australia, you must go to a proclaimed first port of entry where the vessel will need to be boarded to ensure the vessel is compliant with the legal requirements.

Read more about Ports of Entry and Customs requirements

Quarantine
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is responsible for maintaining quarantine control over visiting superyachts and small crafts. When entering Australia you must go to a proclaimed first port of entry where a quarantine officer will meet you on arrival. As AQIS is a fully cost recovered government department, clearance of your vessel will incur the appropriate AQIS fees and charges for the service time taken to inspect and remove restricted goods of quarantine interest from the vessel (e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables). You must declare for inspection all food, plant and animal material and of course any live animals on arrival. Vessels over 25m long must submit to AQIS a Quarantine Pre-Arrival Report (QPAR) 12-48hrs prior to arrival and are required to hold a valid de-rat or de-ratting exemption certificate.

Read more about Australian Quarantine regulations

Immigration
All non-citizen crew members, including the masters of superyachts, are required to obtain a visa relevant to their visit before travelling to Australia. For Immigration clearance on arrival they must present a valid passport and a valid visa and complete a passenger card.

Read more about Visa requirements and Immigration

Pilotage requirements
Pilotage is compulsory for foreign-registered ships of 35 metres or more, and for Australian-registered ships of 50 metres or more unless the master holds an exemption in most ports in Australia. Proposed movements into, within and out of pilotage areas are to be reported to the Regional Harbour Master by the Ship’s Master.