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.

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.

' A background check can be requested only by the issuing body and is lodged with the Secretary-AGD 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.

' 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; sensitive items

Details

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

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

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 fast, compliant and low cost MSIC programme for corporate employers.

Why corporate employers choose ClientView

• Recognised MSIC issuing body with more than 15 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, predictable processing times and reliable compliance across your workforce.

An MSIC confirms that you have passed required background checks and have an operational need, while local site access cards and visitor passes control day to day physical entry.

Key differences

• The MSIC is a national maritime security credential that can be recognised at many facilities.
• Local access cards or passes are issued by individual ports or facilities for their own sites.
• Holding an MSIC does not automatically give you physical access to a site.
• Some visitors may use escorted visitor passes instead of holding an MSIC.

In practice you often need both a valid MSIC and whatever local card or pass the facility uses.

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.

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.

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)

Details

• 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 data to AusCheck

Details

• The assessment covers criminal convictions, security intelligence and immigration compliance under the AusCheck Act 2007. ClientView cannot issue the card until AusCheck says you are 'eligible'?

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

Details

• r. 6.08C and r. 6.07Q). Their importance lies in safeguarding secure maritime areas from unauthorised access
• crime
• and terrorism
• ensuring national and infrastructure security. Almost every answer in the ClientView Frequently Asked Questions is directly based on a specific section of these regulations. For full legal details
• 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

MSIC compliance at ports is enforced by law enforcement officers, maritime security inspectors, and port security officers, who have the authority to conduct checks and issue penalties.

Regulation references

See r. 6.08S, r. 1.03 definitions

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 require you to show your valid MSIC or identification at any time

Details

• You must comply with such a direction or face penalties.

Regulation references

See r. 6.08S

Working in a maritime security zone without properly displaying a valid MSIC can result in fines: first offence is 5 penalty units; second offence within 2 years is 10 units; third or more is 20 units. (A penalty unit is set by federal law.)

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

The federal government may update the regulations at any time, often in response to evolving security needs. There is no set schedule, but changes are published on the official legislation website. (See "About this compilation"; www.legislation.gov.au)

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 core MSIC rules and requirements are set by federal law and apply nationally. However, individual ports or facilities may have additional local security procedures or access conditions in their own security plans. (See r. 6.07A, r. 1.04)

The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 (and Act) are published online by the Australian Government at: www.legislation.gov.au. This is the authoritative and updated source. (See r. 1.01; About this compilation)

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.

The Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 establish the legal framework for all MSIC requirements and processes. (See r. 1.01, r. 1.03)

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; second within 2 years = 10 units; third or more within 2 years = 20 units. (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 (

Details

• not notifying changes or being convicted of a relevant offence). 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

Details

• 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 unescorted access to secure areas.

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.