From 1st July 2003, the Australian Immigration Authorities have enacted legislation that requires all personnel onboard non-military ships to have their civil passports. This legislation though it came in force in the year 2003 was not being enforced till 1st July 2004. The penalties stipulated are A$5,000 per crew member without the appropriate documentation. An extract of the DIMIA requirements is as follows:

Any of the following combination of documents is acceptable:

1. A valid passport together with a valid seafarer’s identity document.
2. A valid passport together with an identity card issued by the shipping company providing the card contained the relevant biodata, a company reference number that established the holders employment on the vessel for the voyage in question and stated the person’s position on board the vessel.
3. A valid passport together with an original contract of employment providing that document contained the relevant biodata, a company reference number that established the holders employment on the vessel for the voyage in question and stated the person’s position on board the vessel