Frequently Asked Questions

The MSIC Program

What is an MSIC?

A Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) is a nationally recognised security identification card for the maritime industry. It shows that you are cleared to enter and work in maritime security zones of our ports, ships and offshore oil and gas facilities.

Having an MSIC won’t entitle you to automatic entry to any or all security zones but it does show that you have successfully completed the background checking process required to enter these zones. You also need to have a genuine work‑related reason to be in a security zone and need to follow the facility operator’s standard occupational health and safety procedures (OH & S) when entering these zones. A separate access card issued by your employer may be necessary.

Who needs an MSIC?

People who may be affected by the MSIC Scheme include:

  • port, port facility and port service workers,
  • stevedores,
  • transport operators such as train and truck drivers
  • seafarers on Australian regulated ships and
  • people who work on and/or supply offshore oil and gas facilities

You will need a Blue MSIC if:

  • You work on the wharves, onboard a ship or on an offshore oil and gas facility
  • You need access to a maritime security zone to deliver or pick up cargo
  • You need access to a maritime security zone to provide goods and services
  • You need access to a maritime security zone more than once a year

You may also need a White MSIC, if you are contracted or employed by an MSIC issuing body

Where will I need an MSIC?

If you work in a maritime security zone you need an MSIC. You may also know these as waterside restricted zones, landside restricted zones, ship and port security zones and offshore security zones.

What is a Maritime Security Zone?

Maritime Security Zones are areas within ports, on or around ships, and on and around offshore facilities, where additional security requirements are applied.

There are a number of maritime security zones across Australia where the MSIC provisions apply. These include:

  • Land side restricted zones – these zones are used to provide controlled access to landside areas
  • Cleared zones – used to facilitate the screening of persons and/ or goods that move on and off of specific vessels
  • Water side restricted zones – used to provide controlled access to waterside areas including berths, jetties and moorings
  • Ship security zones – used to control access around a moving security regulated ship
  • On-Board Security zones – used to control access to areas or parts of security regulated ships
  • Offshore Security zones – used to control access around and within regulated offshore oil or gas facilities
maritime security zones
Where are the maritime security zones?

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 MSIC will also cover security zones on offshore oil and gas facilities.

How soon do I need an MSIC?

You are required to have your MSIC before 1 January 2007.

Although the implementation date for the MSIC is 1 January 2007, the Government has introduced new application dates for different ports. Some of these are as early as August 2006. The process of obtaining your MSIC will take weeks, if in any doubt, you should apply immediately.

How long is my MSIC valid?

A 2 year Blue MSIC is valid for up to 2 years from the date your application was approved.

A 4 year Blue MSIC is valid for up to 4 years from the date your application was approved.

A White MSIC is valid for up to 2 years from the date your application was approved.

Where do I find more information on MSIC?

The Department of Home Affairs website has a wide range of material on the MSIC program.

 

Applying for an MSIC

How can I get an MSIC?

You will need to apply for your MSIC through a Government approved issuing body, such as ClientView Pty Ltd.

What will it cost?

An MISC issued by ClientView Pty Ltd will cost $233.00 for 2 years and $374.00 for 4 years. Prices are ex GST & Australia Post Identity Verification Charges.

How do I pay for my MSIC?

ClientView has two easy payment options:

  • You can pay securely on-line as part of the application process, or
  • You can arrange for payment by cheque or money order which you can forward to ClientView Pty Ltd with your certified documentation.
Refund Policy

If you cancel your application prior to the initiation of the AusCheck background check, a cancellation fee of $40 will apply.

Refund of cost of MSIC, less cancellation charge, is valid if applied for within 6 months from time of application.

If a background check has been initiated or a MSIC has been issued, no refunds are made.

What documentation do I need?

From 1 August 2017, when applying for an MSIC, you will need to present your original identity documentation in person to ClientView or its representative, Australia Post.

You will need to present original identification documents evidencing each of the following four (4) categories:

  • the start of your identity in Australia i.e. your Australian Government issued: birth certificate, citizenship certificate, visa or ImmiCard (Category A)
  • a photographic Government-issued document that shows your signature e.g. your driver licence or passport, these may be issued by a foreign government (Category B)
  • your identity operating within the community e.g. your Medicare card or marriage certificate (Category C).
  • your current residential address e.g. a utility bill or rates notice (Category D)

  Help on Identity Documents
  Acceptable-Identity-Documents.pdf

Photograph

You may also need to provide a recent photograph of your head and shoulders. ClientView will inform you of its need after completion of your online application.

Proof of Operational Need
If your job requires you to access a maritime security zone, whether you are an employee, contractor or self-employed you must show an operational need to have an MSIC. This means you must show that you need unmonitored or unescorted access to a maritime security zone to do your job.
You will need to provide ClientView Pty Ltd with a letter from your employer, the company you are contracted to or from your port authority stating your operational need. The letter must be an original and on company letterhead.
If you are looking for work in the maritime industry, you do not require to specify an Operational Need at the time of application. However, if the application is approved, and you job requires you to access a maritime security zone, you will need to provide an Operational Need before a MSIC is issued.
If you need a White MSIC, you do not need to provide an Operational Need.
Your Right to Work in Australia
You will need to prove that you have a valid right to work in Australia. You can demonstrate this through:
  • An Australian Birth Certificate (issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state)
  • An Australian Passport
  • Australian Citizenship Certificate
  • An Australian Certificate of Residency - long term Australian residents may need to apply to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for a Certificate of Residency
  • A New Zealand Passport
  • A valid visa permitting you to work in Australia

To help make the process easy and to ensure that you have the right documentation, ClientView Pty Ltd has prepared a document checklist which is included in your personalised application pack.

What does Operational Need mean?

A person has an operational need to hold an MSIC if his or her occupation or business interests require, or will require, him or her to have unmonitored access to a Maritime Security Zone at least once each year.

Examples include:

  1. a person whose work takes him or her into a Maritime Security Zone.
  2. a representative of a maritime industry participant that has a business connection with the Maritime Security Zone.
  3. a representative of an employee association whose members work in the Maritime Security Zone.
  4. a representative of an industry association whose members include a maritime industry participant that has a connection with the Maritime Security Zone.
  5. a representative of an Issuing Body.
How do I complete my application pack?

Once you have completed your basic MSIC Awareness induction and registered your details online, you will receive your own personalised application pack. You are than just several easy steps away from receiving your MSIC.

  • Step 1:  Review your preprinted application pack
  • Step 2:  Present your identity documents in person toa ClientView representative
  • Step 3:  Arrange a passport style photograph of yourself, if required
  • Step 4:  Get the operational need letter (if required) and photograph (if required) signed by your Employer
  • Step 5:  Send your documentation to:
ClientView
P.O. BOX 3039
Mt Gambier, SA 5290
Australia
  • Step 6:  ClientView Pty Ltd will contact you

Full details are included in your personalised application pack.

Where do I send my Documentation?

Your completed Documentation should be mailed to:

ClientView
P.O. BOX 3039
Mt Gambier, SA 5290
Australia

Remember to include certified copies of your documentation together with your photograph and payment, if paying by cheque or money order, with your Documentation before mailing.

How long does it take for the Government to approve my application?

Government approval currently takes between 2 to 6 weeks.

My application has been approved. When do I get my MSIC?

You should receive your MSIC by registered post within 21 days of your application being approved by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. If you have not received your MSIC within 21 days, please contact ClientView Pty Ltd immediately.

My MSIC application was rejected. What can I do?

If your application for an MSIC is rejected, you will be told the reasons why, as well as any appeal rights you have, in writing by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

If your appeal is unsuccessful or you decide not to appeal, you will not be allowed to access or work unmonitored in a maritime security zone.

 

Once You Have an MSIC

What do I do with my MSIC once I receive it?

Once you receive your MSIC, you should properly display it whenever you enter a maritime security zone.

How do I display my MSIC?

Details on how to display your MSIC is contained within the induction guide.

Who do I have to show my MSIC to?

Details on who you need to show your MSIC to is contained within the induction guide.

My MSIC has been stolen?

If your MSIC has been stolen, you need to report it immediately to your nearest police service as well as report it to ClientView Pty Ltd. Further details are contained within the induction guide.

Can I get in trouble for not wearing my MSIC?

From 1 January 2007, you could be fined if you don't display your MSIC when you are in a maritime security zone. Further details on this and other offences can be found in the:

What happens if I forget my MSIC?

If you have forgotten your MSIC, you may have to apply for a temporary MSIC from the relevant maritime security plan, ship security plan or offshore oil or gas facility security plan holder e.g. Port Operator or Port Facility Operator.

What happens if I lend my MSIC to someone else?

Your MSIC has been issued to you and to you only. You cannot lend or give your MSIC to any other person. If another person attempts to use your MSIC they will be committing an offence.

I’ve lost my MSIC?

If you have lost your MSIC you need to report it immediately to ClientView Pty Ltd. Further details are contained within the induction guide.

My MSIC is about to expire?

ClientView Pty Ltd will contact you prior to your MSIC expiring to arrange a renewal of your MSIC. Alternatively you can contact ClientView Pty Ltd.

My appearance has changed, what do I do?

If you have significantly altered your appearance, you may have to obtain a new MSIC photograph. Please contact ClientView for guidance.

I've recently changed my name?

If you have recently changed your name through marriage or by deed poll, please contact ClientView Pty Ltd direct. ClientView Pty Ltd will arrange to send you a personalised Name Change pack to complete and submit.

I've recently changed my contact details?

Please contact ClientView Pty Ltd direct.

 

About ClientView Pty Ltd and the MSIC-Card website

Who is ClientView Pty Ltd?

ClientView Pty Ltd is an approved issuing body for the Maritime Security Identification Card in accordance with the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 .

How do I contact ClientView Pty Ltd?

ClientView Pty Ltd's contact details are contained here.

What are the conditions of use of this site?

ClientView Pty Ltd's conditions of use are contained here.

How secure is this site?

Information on the security of the ClientView Pty Ltd website are contained here.