Port Security

The Mid West Ports Authority is a security regulated port as set out in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act (MTOFSA) 2003.

Maritime Security Threat Levels

• Level 1 - The default level at which vessels, ports and offshore facilities normally operate.
• Level 2 - Applies while there is a heightened risk of a security incident.
• Level 3 - Applies when there is a probable or imminent risk of a security incident, even though it may be not possible to identify the specific target.

Notification of a Change in Maritime Security Alert Level (MARSEC)

Masters of vessels within Geraldton Port will be notified of any change to the level of security alert a broadcast message to shipping. Information will also be posted on this website.

At MARSEC Level 1 the Mid West Ports Authority has established a land-side and water-side restricted zone.  The interface between the Port berths and its waters has been completely secured with fencing and is only accessible to authorised personnel with an access swipe card facility through the security gatehouse located on the road connecting Graham Road and Reg Clarke Road.

Personnel with an operational need to access the secured zone must have a current MSIC (Maritime Security Identification Card) and complete a Mid West Ports Authority HSEQ and Security Online Induction (valid for two years).  Unauthorised access to restricted zones is an offence under MTOFSA and severe penalties apply.

Compliance with these international obligations secures our critical international trade links, with the Geraldton Port providing significant direct economic benefit to the region, facilitating exceeding $1 billion in trade annually.

FAQs

General Port Security

Is MWPA a security regulated Port?

Yes.  Personnel with an operational need to access the secured zone must have a current MSIC (Maritime Security Identification Card) and complete a Mid West Ports Authority HSEQ and Security Online Induction (valid for 2 years).

Can I enter with an MSIC Card from another Port or Issuing Body (Veritas, 1-Stop, ClientView)

Personnel wishing to access the Geraldton Port Secure Zone with an MSIC from another issuing body must complete the Application for Access to Mid West Ports Authority with MSIC from Another Issuing Body, which is available from the bottom of our Port Access page.  You will also require a Letter of Operational Need from your employer (see Port Access page) and have completed your Induction.  These should then be taken to the MSIC Office at 298 Marine Terrace, Geraldton.  Contact (08) 9964 0582 before attending.

Can I enter as a Visitor?

Under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Regulations 2003 (MTOFSR), personnel wishing to enter the Port Security Zone without an MSIC may be issued a limited number of temporary visitor passes and must be escorted at all times by the MSIC holder who has signed them in.  This requires you to remain in close proximity and view of each other. 

Contractors entering as Visitors?

You must also have completed the site induction online and be able to provide photographic identification upon signing in.  Contractors wishing to enter the Port Security Zone without an MSIC may be issued a limited number of temporary visitor passes and must be escorted at all times by the MSIC holder who has signed them in.  This requires you to remain in close proximity and view of each other. 

Will I need PPE?

All persons entering the Port will require, as a minimum, high visibility clothing, helmet, protective eyewear, steel capped footwear and long sleeved shirt and long pants.

Where is the main entrance to the Port and Security Gatehouse?

At the Eastern end of Ian Bogle Road.  Visitors wishing to enter the Port itself should attend the gatehouse to sign in.

 

For FAQs about the MSIC application process click here.