Current Security Level for the Port of Townsville as of 1 July 2009:

The Port of Townsville has an approved Maritime Security Plan as required under the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003 . The plan was officially approved by the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services on 10 June 2004.

Ship Requirements

From 1 July 2004 the ship's Master, prior to entering the Port of Townsville, must report directly to Port Control or via their respective Ship Agency the following:

• ISPS compliance number;
• current ship security level or any change to the ship security level whilst in port;
• ship Security Officer contact details;
• list of expected visitors/contractors;
• nominated providore;
• crew list and identification;
• any security incident (as defined under the ISPS code or Maritime Transport Security Legislation) whilst in Port.

Security Levels

In addition to normal security measures undertaken, additional security measures on the land and water may be implemented:

• if directed by the Australian Office of Transport Security; and/or
• the current ship security level is higher than Security Level 1 or the Port/Port Facility security level.

Additional security measures will include:

• increased number of Maritime Security Guards;
• controlled access to the Waterside Security Zone and/or additional Security Waterside Patrols;
• controlled access to the Ship Security Zone and Landside Restricted Zone;
• additional fencing;
• random or compulsory inspection of all baggage/stores and vehicles.

Responsibility for the implementation of the additional security measurers will be agreed via a Declaration of Security between the Ship and Port of Townsville or the Port Facility Operator. If between the Ship and the Port Facility Operator, the Port Security Officer must be consulted and agree with the security measures proposed to be implemented.

Cruise Ships

The above security measures are considered mandatory whilst a Cruise Ship is at the berth, even at Security Level 1. Cruise ships are required to conduct 100% screening for all persons boarding the ship.

Cost of Security

All costs associated with maritime security will be the responsibility of the Ship whilst in port and will be invoiced to the Agency representing the ship accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

On 1 July 2004, new security measures were introduced at the Port of Townsville in compliance with the Maritime Security Legislation. The new enhanced security measures introduced safeguard against unlawful interference with maritime transport.

The Maritime Transport Security legislation gives effect to Australian implementation and interpretation of the International Ship Port Security (ISPS) Code. It establishes a regulatory framework to safeguard maritime transport and protect ships, ports, and port facilities.

The Port of Townsville and Port Community are responsible for port security including the development and implementation of a Port Security Plan; nomination of a Port Security and Port Facility Security Officers; establishment of a Port Security Committee; introduction of a port identification card system; and compliance with the plan and legislation.

What is the ISPS Code?

The ISPS Code was developed by the International Maritime Organisation, as part of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention, 1974, (SOLAS Convention). It aims to promote an industry-wide focus on preventative security measures to detect and deter acts that threaten security in the maritime industry.

How has security been upgraded?

• Reoccupying the Benwell Road gatehouse.
• Reconfiguration and upgrade of boom gates at three entry points.
• Increasing close circuit television systems.
• Fencing port and port facility areas.
• Nominating landside and waterside exclusion zones. An exclusion zone is a ship security zone that comprises an area of water within a security regulated port, being an area surrounding a security regulated ship (at and below the water level) to which access is controlled. Unauthorised entry is not permitted into these zones when operational.
• Displaying alert level signage at entry points and boat ramps.

Port Entry

Port Services Officers occupy the gatehouse at the Benwell Road entrance during business hours, and continue to monitor port access. All persons wishing to access the port must be able, when requested, to demonstrate they have official business in the port and the appropriate authorisation. For example:

• Port-issued identification card;
• delivery docket;
• prior notification via port entry application;
• current drivers’ license.

Additional security requirements such as random and compulsory baggage checks may also be carried out. Port access by members of the public who are not on official business is prohibited.

A number of cameras are stationed around the port to assist security officers monitoring the operations. The vision form these cameras can, if required, be passed onto third parties for their use in investigating incidents. Third parties include but are not restricted to Customs, Police, Office of Transport Security, Maritime Safety Queensland.

It is an offence to enter or leave the port area by any means other than a designated entrance or exit.

Security Levels

The Federal Government determined, and will declare when necessary, three security levels.

• Level 1: Minimum appropriate protective security measures will be maintained at all times.
• Level 2: Appropriate additional protective security measures will be enacted because of heightened risk of a security incident.
• Level 3: Further specific protective security measures maintained for limited times when a security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target.

Unless otherwise advised the port will operate on LEVEL 1.

How do I report security breaches?

All security breaches, or potential activities that may breach security or cause harm, should be immediately reported. For example:

• suspicious activity or person;
• unclaimed baggage;
• inappropriately parked vehicle;
• tampering with cargo and/or ship stores; and
  
• unauthorised photography.
  

Port Security Contacts