Regulatory & Compliance

Only a very small number of authorised ClientView staff with specific MSIC duties can access identity documents and background check information.

How access is controlled

• Role based access ensures staff only see the records needed for their role.
• Administrative access is restricted to experienced, vetted personnel.
• Access to identity documents is logged and monitored for audit and security purposes.
• Data is stored in secure systems hosted on Microsoft Azure infrastructure.

This tight control helps protect your personal information throughout the life of your MSIC.

Access to your background check information is strictly limited.

Details

• A background check can be requested only by the issuing body and is lodged with the Secretary through AusCheck (r. 6.08BA).
• The Regulations require the issuing body to keep application records, but access beyond staff performing MSIC duties is limited to Maritime Security Inspectors on notice (r. 6.08U(5)).
• The MSIC plan must also describe secure procedures for handling personal data (r. 6.07Q(2)(j) & (3)), ensuring that only those with an operational need, issuing-body staff, AusCheck, and authorised inspectors, can see the background-check information.

Your personal information is handled under strict security and retention rules set out in the Regulations.

Details

• Every issuing body's MSIC plan must spell out procedures for collecting, storing and destroying information and documents about MSICs and MSIC applications (r. 6.07Q(2)(j)), and must ensure those procedures are carried out in an appropriately secure manner (r. 6.07Q(3)).
• Personal details held in the Register of MSICs are limited to what is operationally necessary; for example, a residential address can be omitted for law-enforcement and security officials (r. 6.08T(2)-(3)).
• Issuing bodies must allow access only to authorised Maritime Security Inspectors, on reasonable notice, for audit purposes (r. 6.08U(5)), and must comply with cyber-security requirements set out in their approved MSIC plan (see obligations flowing from r. 6.07Q(2)(j) & r. 6.07Q(3)).

The issuing body must keep the application, proof-of-identity copies, operational-need evidence and the record of issue for a set retention period.

Details

• 3 years after the completion of the most recent background check, for an issued MSIC.
• 3 years after the application was made, if no card was issued (r. 6.08U(2)(a)-(d) & 6.08U(2A)(a)-(b)).

Yes. We hold Australia's lowest advertised MSIC price, verified as at 23 August 2026, with no hidden fees.

We keep prices low through efficient, modern systems and a lean, experienced team rather than by cutting corners on service or security. You still get phone support and government grade data protection at the base rate. Optional Silver and Gold upgrades exist only if you want us to do more of the work for you.

No. MSICs can only be issued through an approved issuing body like ClientView, not directly by the government.

AusCheck (the government) runs the background check, but by law only an approved issuing body can verify your identity and operational need, lodge that check and print your card. Using ClientView does not add a middleman, it is the required, and lowest cost, path to the card.

ClientView combines Australia's lowest advertised MSIC price with more than 20 years of experience, government authorisation and phone support at every step.

• Australia's lowest advertised MSIC price, with no hidden fees (as at 23 August 2026).
• An MSIC issuing body authorised by the Department of Home Affairs, Australian owned, with the same experienced team for more than 20 years.
• Daily lodgement to AusCheck and card dispatch by registered post the same business day we are cleared.
• Real phone coaching, including help live at the post office if your documents are queried.
• Independently audited security, aligned to standards mandated by the Australian Signals Directorate, with all data stored on Australian servers.

ClientView is an Australian owned, Home Affairs approved MSIC issuing body with more than 20 years of experience.

We are not a middleman, we issue the card itself. Your data is stored on Australian servers and protected by independently audited, enterprise grade security (Essential Eight Maturity Level 3, re-audited annually). More than 500 Australian companies have stayed with us for two decades.

Yes. ClientView is approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs as an MSIC issuing body.

That means we are authorised to verify your identity, lodge your background check with AusCheck and issue your card under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003. We have issued MSICs across Australia for more than 20 years.

The MSIC scheme sits within Australia's broader maritime and offshore security framework and focuses on background checking people who need unmonitored access to maritime security zones.

How MSIC fits into the wider framework

• It supports laws designed to protect ports, ships and offshore facilities from unlawful interference.
• It complements, but does not replace, local site access cards or safety requirements.
• AusCheck background checks help ensure cardholders are suitable from a security perspective.
• Facility operators still control who may enter specific areas and when.

Together, these measures help protect critical maritime infrastructure while allowing legitimate trade and activity to continue.

ClientView is an experienced authorised MSIC issuing body that delivers a compliant, low cost MSIC programme for corporate employers, with fast lodgement and support on our end.

Why corporate employers choose ClientView

• Recognised MSIC issuing body with more than 20 years of maritime security experience.
• Corporate portal to manage all cardholders, locations and renewals in one secure system.
• Trained verifiers and clear processes that reduce errors, delays and regulatory risk.
• Dedicated account management and service levels designed for high volume employers.

The result is fewer surprises, fast lodgement to AusCheck, and reliable compliance across your workforce. Government background check timing is set by AusCheck and is outside any provider's control.

No, we don't combine your MSIC with site access control, and that's a practical limitation, not a management decision.

Australia has more than 40 ports, each with its own access requirements and its own access control technology. No single card could work across all of them, so we can't build one that does.

What we provide is an MSIC that's valid at every port in Australia. From there, it's up to you (or your employer) to arrange any site-specific access card separately.

A handful of large terminals do combine the MSIC with their own access card, but that's the exception, not the norm. Most applicants will need to organise their MSIC and their site access card as two separate steps.

ClientView provides a modern, secure online process and responsive support that many individual applicants find simpler than traditional MSIC providers.

Benefits for individual applicants

• Clear guidance on eligibility, documentation and each step of the application.
• A secure portal to upload documents and track progress.
• Helpful support for people who are not confident with online forms.
• Strong cyber security controls to protect your personal information.

The combination of clarity, security and support makes the MSIC process more predictable and less stressful for individuals.

As an MSIC holder you must follow site rules, protect your card and only access areas you are authorised to enter.

Your responsibilities on site

• Carry, display and protect your MSIC while you are in secure zones.
• Follow all directions and local procedures issued by the port or facility operator.
• Never lend your card to anyone or allow others to tailgate using your access.
• Report lost or stolen cards and any security concerns promptly.

Meeting these responsibilities helps maintain a safe, trusted environment for everyone working in maritime and offshore facilities.

Only a very small number of authorised ClientView staff with specific MSIC duties can access identity documents and background check information.

How access is controlled

• Role based access ensures staff only see the records needed for their role.
• Administrative access is restricted to experienced, vetted personnel.
• Access to identity documents is logged and monitored for audit and security purposes.
• Data is stored in secure systems hosted on Microsoft Azure infrastructure.

This tight control helps protect your personal information throughout the life of your MSIC.

Under r. 6.08LH a temporary MSIC is automatically suspended for exactly the same period as the blue MSIC it relates to.

Where a background check reveals a tier 1 conviction or adverse security assessment, the Secretary issues a disqualifying notice under r. 6.08D(2)

• From that moment you are barred from entering maritime security zones (r. 6.07K)
• You may seek review under r. 6.08X.

Yes

Details

• Each person in a maritime security zone must wear the blue or temporary MSIC above the waist and front-facing unless they hold a written exemption
• Failure to display is an offence under r. 6.07J(1)
• Exemptions exist for escorted visitors, emergency personnel, etc., but company escorts still need their own properly displayed card

r. 6.07J(1)(c)-(e) lists the graduated fines

Details

• Repeat offences within two years escalate sharply
• Escorts who do not monitor visitors face an additional 5-unit fine under r. 6.07L

Under r. 6.08BA the issuing body submits your details to AusCheck for assessment.

Details

• The assessment covers criminal convictions, security intelligence and immigration status under the AusCheck Act 2007.
• ClientView cannot issue your card until AusCheck confirms you are eligible.

The Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) scheme is regulated by the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003.

Why these laws matter

• They set out who can be issued an MSIC, how identity and background checks are done, and the obligations for cardholders (see especially Division 6.1A, including r. 6.08C and r. 6.07Q).
• They help safeguard secure maritime areas from unauthorised access, crime and terrorism, protecting national and infrastructure security.
• Almost every answer in the ClientView FAQs is based on a specific section of these laws.

For full legal detail, you can review the Regulations and the Act at legislation.gov.au.

Your MSIC can be suspended or cancelled if you fail to meet eligibility, lose operational need, are convicted of a relevant offence, fail to provide required notifications, or otherwise breach the regulations.

Regulation references

See r. 6.08LE, r. 6.08LF, r. 6.08M

Inside a maritime security zone, the power to direct you to show your MSIC belongs to a security officer, which r. 6.08S(1) defines as "a law enforcement officer" or "a maritime security inspector".

Details

• The direction can be given where you are in a part of a maritime security zone and are "apparently not properly displaying a valid MSIC or valid temporary MSIC" (r. 6.08S(2)).
• Before giving the direction, the officer must show you the officer's identity card or another appropriate form of identification (r. 6.08S(3)).
• You must comply with the direction. The penalty for not complying is 10 penalty units (r. 6.08S(4)).
• These Regulations give that power to law enforcement officers and maritime security inspectors. A port or facility operator separately controls access to its own site under its security plan, which is a different thing from the r. 6.08S power.

Regulation references

r. 6.08S(1) to (4)

An MSIC (Maritime Security Identification Card) allows access to maritime security zones; an ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) is for aviation security zones (airports)

Details

• Requirements are similar, but they are not interchangeable.

Regulation references

See r. 6.08E; Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005

The main maritime security zones are: landside restricted zone, waterside restricted zone, ship security zone, exclusion zone, cleared zone, offshore facility zone, offshore waterside zone, and onboard restricted area

Details

• Each zone has specific security requirements.

Regulation references

See r. 1.03 for definitions; various other regs

Lending or allowing someone else to use your MSIC is a breach of regulations and can lead to cancellation of your card, penalties, and possibly being barred from holding an MSIC in the future. (See r. 6.08M, r. 6.07J (display/use requirements)).

A law enforcement officer or maritime security inspector can direct you to show a valid blue or temporary MSIC where you are in a part of a maritime security zone and are "apparently not properly displaying" one (r. 6.08S(2)).

Details

• The power is tied to that situation rather than exercisable at large: it applies while you are in the zone and are apparently not properly displaying a valid card.
• If you are an exempt person for that part of the zone, you may instead show identification that establishes it (r. 6.08S(2)(b)).
• The officer must show you their own identity card or another appropriate form of identification before giving the direction (r. 6.08S(3)).
• You must comply. The penalty for failing to comply is 10 penalty units (r. 6.08S(4)).
• Separately, it is an offence to be in a maritime security zone and fail to properly display a valid blue or temporary MSIC (r. 6.07J). What counts as properly displaying is set out in r. 6.07E.

Regulation references

r. 6.08S(2) to (4); r. 6.07J; r. 6.07E

Working in a maritime security zone without properly displaying a valid MSIC can result in fines: first offence is 5 penalty units (currently $1,820); second offence within 2 years is 10 penalty units (currently $3,640); third or more is 20 penalty units (currently $7,280). (Penalty unit values are set by federal law and indexed periodically.)

Regulation references

See r. 6.07J

You must properly display your MSIC in maritime security zones, only use it for legitimate operational need, and not lend or share it with others

Details

• It must not be defaced, altered, or misused, and you must return it when required.

Regulation references

See r. 6.07E, r. 6.07J, r. 6.08P, r. 6.08Q, r. 6.08R

You must properly display your MSIC when required, keep your information up to date, notify the issuing body of relevant changes (

Details

• name
• address
• convictions)
• return expired or cancelled cards
• and comply with all access and use conditions

Regulation references

See r. 6.07J, r. 6.08LB, r. 6.08LCA, r. 6.08LD, r. 6.08P, r. 6.08Q

MSIC regulatory changes occur at different levels: Legislative amendments (rare, requiring parliamentary approval), regulatory updates via legislative instruments (1-2 times yearly), procedural changes by Department of Home Affairs (as needed), and port-specific operational changes (ongoing)

Details

• Recent changes have addressed: visa holder requirements, background check processes, card security features, and operational need definitions
• Significant changes are communicated through: Department notices to issuing bodies, industry bulletins, and transition periods for compliance
• Card holders are generally not affected mid-validity unless serious security concerns arise
• Monitor Department of Home Affairs announcements for updates.

If you are convicted and sentenced for a maritime security relevant offence, you must notify your issuing body or the Secretary in writing within 7 days

Details

• details of the conviction and sentence

Regulation references

See r. 6.08LB

You generally need either an MSIC (for maritime security zones) or an ASIC (for aviation security zones), depending on your job

Details

• Some roles may require both if you work in both sectors, but holding one does not automatically entitle you to the other.

Regulation references

See r. 6.08E; Regs cross-reference aviation and maritime

If your MSIC is revoked (cancelled or suspended), you have the right to request reconsideration by the Secretary and, if not satisfied, to apply for a review by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Regulation references

See r. 6.08X, r. 6.08Z

The MSIC system is federally regulated with uniform national standards for cards and background checking

Details

• However, individual ports can impose: additional induction requirements, site-specific safety training, supplementary access cards or permits, restricted zone designations, escort requirements in certain areas, and specific display or PPE requirements
• Major ports like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Fremantle may have port-specific conditions
• Your MSIC provides the baseline security clearance, but you must comply with each port's operational requirements
• Check with port authorities before first attendance at any new facility.

Official MSIC information sources

Details

• Federal Register of Legislation (www.legislation.gov.au) for current acts and regulations
• Department of Home Affairs website for MSIC guidelines and issuing body lists
• AusCheck website for background checking information
• and your port authority for site-specific requirements. Key documents: Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003
• Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003
• and MSIC Procedures Guidelines. Always verify you're viewing current versions as regulations are periodically updated. Issuing bodies provide application guides based on official requirements

As an applicant or cardholder, you do not have a formal legal obligation to keep records

Details

• However, you should retain your MSIC, supporting documents, and any correspondence, especially if you need to dispute a decision or prove your compliance.

Regulation references

Note: There is no direct obligation on individuals; r. 6.08T and r. 6.08U apply to issuing bodies.

MSIC requirements are established under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (MTOFSA), the primary legislation, and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003, which set out detailed operational requirements. These implement Australia's obligations under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Key sections include:

Details

• Part 6 Division 7 covering MSIC requirements
• penalties for non-compliance, set out in penalty units under the Regulations and increasing for repeat or more serious offences
• and appeal processes.

The AusCheck Act 2007 provides the framework for AusCheck background checks. State legislation may impose additional port-specific requirements, and regular amendments occur through legislative instruments.

If you breach MSIC regulations (

Details

• entering a zone without a valid card
• failing to report offences
• or not returning an expired card)
• you may face fines
• your card may be suspended or cancelled
• and you could be excluded from secure areas

Regulation references

See r. 6.07J, r. 6.08M, r. 6.08P, r. 6.08Q, and penalty sections throughout Division 6.1A

If you enter a maritime security zone without displaying a valid MSIC: first offence = 5 penalty units (currently $1,820); second within 2 years = 10 units (currently $3,640); third or more within 2 years = 20 units (currently $7,280). (A penalty unit is set by federal law.)

Regulation references

See r. 6.07J

Your MSIC must be cancelled if you no longer meet eligibility, fail a background or criminal check, lose operational need, or breach certain requirements (for example, not notifying changes, or being convicted of a relevant offence).

Details

• You'll receive written notice if this happens.

Regulation references

See r. 6.08M

If your MSIC is cancelled, suspended, or you disagree with another compliance action, you can apply to the Secretary for reconsideration

Details

• If still dissatisfied, you may apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for a formal review.

Regulation references

See r. 6.08X, r. 6.08Z

The government can audit MSIC records including:

• your application
• identity documents
• and background checks.

Inspectors may review records held by the issuing body to ensure compliance.

Regulation references:

See r. 6.07U, r. 6.08U

A maritime industry participant (MIP) can issue a temporary MSIC when you forget, lose, or have not yet received an approved blue card

Details

• The card must be orange, show the large letter T, and expires on the earlier of the printed date or 2 months after issue (or when the blue card is collected)
• Your company's security plan must authorise the practice and keep a register r. 6.08K & 6.08KA

The MSIC scheme sits within Australia's broader maritime and offshore security framework and focuses on background checking people who need unmonitored access to maritime security zones.

How MSIC fits into the wider framework

• It supports laws designed to protect ports, ships and offshore facilities from unlawful interference.
• It complements, but does not replace, local site access cards or safety requirements.
• AusCheck background checks help ensure cardholders are suitable from a security perspective.
• Facility operators still control who may enter specific areas and when.

Together, these measures help protect critical maritime infrastructure while allowing legitimate trade and activity to continue.

ClientView provides a modern, secure online process and responsive support that many individual applicants find simpler than traditional MSIC providers.

Benefits for individual applicants

• Clear guidance on eligibility, documentation and each step of the application.
• A secure portal to upload documents and track progress.
• Helpful support for people who are not confident with online forms.
• Strong cyber security controls to protect your personal information.

The combination of clarity, security and support makes the MSIC process more predictable and less stressful for individuals.