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Updates: COVID-19 restrictions

Port Authority of New South Wales is following federal and state advice in relation to the entry of commercial vessels to NSW. 

Port Authority of New South Wales' primary role is to ensure the safe navigation and berthing of commercial vessels in the ports of NSW. 

In response to COVID-19, we are following advice set by federal and state agencies in relation to the entry of these vessels to our ports.

The Department of Agriculture manages biosecurity reporting obligations for all commercial vessels upon their first arrival in Australia and operators of vessels must lodge biosecurity information in the Department's Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS) no later than 12 hours prior to arrival of this port www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/avm/vessels/mars. Port Authority does not have biosecurity enforcement obligations. More is information is available at www.homeaffairs.gov.au and www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity.

NSW Health manages protective measures against COVID-19 at airports and seaports in NSW. More information about this can be found at the NSW Health website. 

Federal and state agencies have also enacted strict requirements for maritime crews arriving in Australian ports and Port Authority will continue following their advice while assisting them in their duties. 

On 11 December 2020, the NSW Government issued an update to the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order (No 4) which continues to outline restrictions to persons arriving in NSW on a vessel and persons boarding and disembarking from vessels. 

Operators seeking to undertake other activities not listed in the Order or in this exemption will still need to seek a specific exemption. We are working with NSW Police to consider any requests for exemptions and applications must be made via email to: [email protected]

We will continue to support all relevant agencies in their efforts as per the Federal and State requirements and guidance.

Update: Commercial vessel restrictions
The Australian Government has the latest COVID-19 information for the maritime industry

Update: International travellers (including Cruise Ships)
The Australian Government has the latest advice for International travellers. 

Update: Cruise ships ban lifted 
The Australian Government recently announced the lifting of the cruise ban. 

Port Authority will continue following advice set by federal and state agencies in relation to the entry of commercial vessels to the ports of NSW.