Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The following information is provided as a summary of frequently asked questions regarding the Commonwealth of Australia's MSIC program. Please note that this program and the activities conducted by MSIC Issuing Bodies on behalf of the Commonwealth are governed by Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003. A copy of these Regulations can be found by clicking here:


What is a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)?Back to top

The MSIC is a nationally consistent identification card which confirms that the holder has met the minimum background checking requirements to work in a maritime and/or offshore security zone. An MSIC is not an access control card, and possession of an MSIC does not provide the right of entry to any facility within a maritime security zone. Access to maritime security zones is managed by the Maritime Industry Participant.


What are maritime security zones?Back to top

Maritime security zones are areas within regulated Ports, around and onboard regulated Australian ships which have additional security requirements, as defined by the Maritime Transport Security and Offshore Facilities Act 2003 (the Act). The MSIC will also cover security zones on offshore oil and gas facilities.


How do I know if I will need an MSIC?Back to top

If you require unmonitored access within a maritime security zone you will require an MSIC.


When will the MSIC Scheme commence?Back to top

MSIC Scheme will commence on 1 October 2005 and it is anticipated that there will be a 15 month implementation phase, completed on 31 December 2006. All people unmonitored within a maritime security zone will be required to hold and display an MSIC from 1 January 2007.


Where can I apply for an MSIC?Back to top

Once your operational need for an MSIC has been confirmed you can apply for an MSIC using Veritas Engineering's online application service. This process takes less than ten minutes to apply online - applications may be lodged in person at our Perth CBD office or at any one of over 4,000 Australia Post outlets around the nation. Please click here to begin the application process.


If I live overseas, am I eligible to apply for an MSIC?Back to top

Applicants wishing to apply for an MSIC from overseas may apply if they meet all application criteria. Veritas Engineering can support lodgement of overseas applications through the use of its online application (please click here to apply now) and streamlined application process. Please click here to contact us for queries or for further details.


What documents will I need to fill in and provide to get an MSIC?Back to top

You will need to complete our online application form to begin the application process. Once printed, you have several options to lodge your application. These include:

You will also need to prove that you are either an Australian Citizen or have the right to work in Australia. To do this you will need to provide and Australian Birth Certificate or Passport; an Australian Citizenship or Naturalisation Certificate; or a stamp in your foreign passport stating that you have the right to work in Australia.


What Background Checks will I undergo?Back to top

The background check is a two part process. It involves:

What do they consist of?


Police Records Check

A police records check is performed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). You will need to prepare and sign a consent form for a police records check by the AFP. The AFP will produce a Police Records Certificate which will be assessed against a list of maritime security relevant offences found in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2005.


Security Assessment

A security assessment will be conducted by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). When ASIO conducts a security assessment, it investigates the person's background and any past activities that may indicate a threat to national security. ASIO will determine whether you pose a politically motivated violence threat in the maritime environment. Politically motivated violence is any act or threat of violence or unlawful harm that is intended or likely to achieve a political objective, whether in Australia or elsewhere. Should ASIO make any recommendation against the issuing of an MSIC, you will be informed of the recommendation and how you can have it reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.


What is the role of an MSIC issuing body?Back to top

MSIC issuing bodies will be responsible for confirming an applicant's identity and their Citizenship or right to work in Australia. They will also provide application and consent forms for background checks. The issuing body will also be responsible for producing an MSIC.

Veritas Engineering, a Commonwealth approved MSIC issuing body, is responsible for confirming an applicant's identity, their Citizenship or right to work in Australia, and forwarding of applications to AusCheck for the conduct of background checks. If approved by AusCheck, the issuing body makes the final decision to issue and MSIC and produces the MSIC accordingly. MSIC issuing bodies are additionally responsible for the reporting of changes of MSIC status to AusCheck.


Who is AusCheck?Back to top

On 5 December 2005, the Government agreed to the establishment of a centralised background checking agency now referred to as AusCheck. As a division within the Attorney-General's Department.

AusCheck is responsible for identifying individuals who should not be eligible for a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) by applying a consistent interpretation of the statutory requirements and coordinating background, criminal and security checks on applicants, and for notifying the relevant Issuing Bodies of the outcome of these checks.

These background checks were previously processed and coordinated by the Background Checking Unit of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.


What happens if I am unsuccessful in obtaining an MSIC?Back to top

AusCheck will give you a written statement of reasons why you are not eligible to hold an MSIC. You will also receive advice on your appeal rights. If you are unsuccessful in your appeal or chose not to appeal, you will not be able to enter a maritime security zone. It is a matter for your employer to redeploy you outside of the maritime security zone and if not being able to obtain an MSIC will affect your employment status.


Will issuing bodies and employers have access to the information and details of the background checks that were conducted on me?Back to top

During the implementation phase, only the Australian Government will have access to background checking information. Issuing bodies will only receive written advice from DOTARS that states whether they can or cannot issue an MSIC.


How long is an MSIC valid for?Back to top

An MSIC is valid for 5 years unless you leave the regulated Australian maritime environment for 12 months or longer or you no longer have an operational need to be within a maritime security zone. In this case, your card may be cancelled before the 5 year validity period has elapsed.

Because a condition to hold an MSIC is based on entitlement to work in Australia, expiry of the MSIC will be based on the expiry date of the visa for individuals hold a valid visa to work within Australia. Please contact us for specific queries if this applies


What happens to my card if it is cancelled?Back to top

If your card was cancelled you will need to return it to the issuing body who issued your card.


What happens if my card was cancelled but I now find myself working in the industry again?Back to top

If you return to the industry after this time or you find once again you have a need for an MSIC and it is before the date the card would have expired, you will need to sign a statutory declaration stating there has been no change to your criminal record and your card will be re-issued to you with the original expiry date. Even if there has been no change to your criminal history the issuing body may decide that new background checks will need to be undertaken. If this is the case your new card will expire five years from when this new check was conducted.

Veritas Engineering is authorised to provide replacement MSICs, regardless of which issuing body may have initially issued your MSIC. Please contact us for further details if this applies.


How long will it take to get an MSIC from when I submit my documentation?Back to top

Whilst no issuing body can guarantee a turnaround time for approvals due to dependencies on the duration of federal background checks, Veritas Engineering strives to deliver MSICs within 2-4 weeks of application lodgement.

For urgent needs, please click here to contact Veritas Engineering and we will endeavour to assist.


When do I have to display my MSIC?Back to top

From 1 January 2007 you will be required to display an MSIC while in a maritime security zone.


How do I need to display my MSIC?Back to top

You should wear your MSIC above waist height; at the front or side of your body; with the whole front of the MSIC clearly visible.


What will happen if I don't display an MSIC?Back to top

Inappropriate display of, or not displaying an MSIC could lead to a fine.