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Grahame Marwood
Port Security and Safety Supervisor
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Port Security and Safety

SECURITY

NQBP places a high priority on ensuring port facilities are secure from the threat of terrorism. NQBP works closely with government agencies and the port users to ensure appropriate security measures are in place.

To provide an independent review of security arrangements, NQBP engages expert consultants as required to carry out security assessments and assist in the review of port security plans across all NQBP ports.

SECURITY ALERTS

There are three security threat assessment levels:

  • Security Level 1: normal level

  • Security Level 2: heightened risk of a non-site-specific security threat

  • Security Level 3: a security incident has occurred, or a site-specific threat is probable or imminent.

Currently all security regulated NQBP ports are operating at Security Level 1.

SECURITY COMPLIANCE

Those NQBP's ports which have trading links with countries throughout the world are security regulated ports.

Maritime security requirements come into force under the International Shipping and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. In Australia, the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (MTOFSA) and Regulations enacts these requirements as legislation.

NQBP has Maritime Security Plans, approved by the Office of Transport Security (OTS) for:

  • Hay Point

  • Mackay

  • Abbot Point

  • Weipa

Port facility operators and port service providers in these ports also have security plans approved by the Office of Transport Security. (OTS)

Some of the security requirements in these ports may restrict access to some areas of the port that have been traditionally enjoyed by the public. These measures are designed to protect the community and people employed in the port area.

The Port of Maryborough is not a security regulated port under the MTOFSA. NQBP has no staff or facilities in this port; therefore, security regulated ships are responsible for ensuring the security of their operations conducted in this port.

NQBP complies fully with the requirements of the MTOFSA and Regulations. Port Security Committee meetings are held approximately every six months for each port to coordinate effective security measures across the whole port area.

MARITIME SECURITY IDENTIFICATION CARD (MSIC)

Australia has introduced through legislation an Australia-wide identification card for the port and maritime industry, known as the Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC). An MSIC is valid at any port in Australia and must be worn by every person entering a restricted zone.

In the Port of Mackay, NQBP acts as a local agent for the Port of Brisbane Corporation, who is authorised to issue MSIC. NQBP will be accept applications for MSIC at the Port of Mackay Operations Office during office hours 0900 - 1600 Monday to Friday. There are a number of other MISC providers in Queensland.

All applicants will need to complete a new application form, accompanied by:

  1. proof of Australian citizenship or residency

  2. identification (passport, driver's licence, birth certificate etc)

  3. consent to have Federal, State and or Territory Police criminal history checks, Immigration checks and ASIO checks

  4. payment for processing the card, including cost of background checks is $205.00 for a five year card. If the applicant also requires the MSIC to be an access card for the Port of Mackay, an additional $10.00 will be charged to include this facility.

Following stage one of the application process, applicants will then need to forward the second part of the application to Federal Police to have background checks completed.

At the conclusion of this process, the Issuing Body will be advised by OTS whether a card can, or cannot be issued.

If OTS give the "green light" for issuance of a card, the card will be printed for the applicant, who will then be required to signify they are familiar with the rules and conditions applicable to the use of the card.

To facilitate the process, an awareness and induction process is available on the Port of Brisbane website.

SPECIFIC PORT SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS

For specific security arrangements in each port, please click on the port link below:

Port of Hay Point

Port of Mackay

Port of Abbot Point

Port of Weipa

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

NQBP conducts its activities to provide a work environment that protects the health, safety and welfare of all people in its workplaces. NQBP has documented and structured health and safety management systems based on the Australian/New Zealand Standard 4801:2001 "Occupational Health and Safety Management System". The NQBP management system has been developed to ensure policies and procedures are in place to effectively manage health and safety in the workplace and to ensure legislative requirements are met.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY COMPLIANCE

NQBP uses a risk-management approach to identify potential workplace risks and implements appropriate controls to manage risks to an acceptable level.

Workplace health & safety audits are carried out on all NQBP workplaces annually.

NQBP’s Workplace Health, Safety and Environment Committee, which includes both management and staff representatives, meets quarterly to review NQBP’s safety and environmental performance.