Vessel Inspections 

To prevent the recurrence of a marine pest outbreak in the Northern Territory, the NT Fisheries Group has in place routine screening of vessels wishing to enter Darwin marinas.

As a consequence of marine pests being well established in many ports along the international yacht cruising routes, Aquatic Biosecurity is asking for the cooperation of skippers of all internationally travelled vessels intending to enter Darwin marinas. Any such vessel unable to demonstrate that the hull has been cleaned or antifouled in Australia will be requested to undergo a hull inspection and treatment of internal seawater systems to kill marine pests.

Similarly, because of potential for the Asian green mussel to be transported from other Australian ports to Darwin, any vessels (including Australian vessels) that have visited domestic ports are asked to contact Aquatic Biosecurity and may be subject to similar inspection and treatment protocols as internationally travelled vessels.

The NT government will cover the costs associated with hull inspections and the cost of treating the internal seawater systems of the vessel. If you have any queries regarding the procedures in place, please contact Aquatic Biosecurity staff on 0413 381 094 or email us at aquaticbiosecurity@nt.gov.au.

Please remember, these procedures are to protect our local environment and economy. The process is completely free of charge and only requires your time and cooperation.

En route to Darwin, please don't stop off along the coastline to clean your hull: there are no penalties for a fouled hull. All boat cleaning should be performed at an approved location and in a manner that ensures no material returns to the marine environment.

Clearance Certification

Upon successful completion of inspection and treatment the skipper will be issued a Clearance Certificate allowing access into Darwin marinas.

Inspection Procedures 

Hull Inspections

Hull inspections are conducted in one of two ways:

1. The vessel is hauled out of the water at one of Darwin's slipways using a Travelift and Fisheries staff will visually inspect the hull for aquatic pests. This is the preferred method of inspection.
2. A commercial diver using SCUBA equipment will inspect the hull.

Whether the vessel is hauled out at a slipyard or inspected by divers is at the discretion of Fisheries staff who will take into account a number of factors including vessel weight and dimensions, availability of slipways, tides and weather conditions.

Internal Seawater Systems Treatment

Treatment of the internal seawater systems involves locking a dilute detergent solution in the piping of all on-board systems that draw seawater. This detergent must remain in the piping for a period of 14 hours during which time these on-board systems cannot be used. The detergent is environment and boat friendly and will not damage on-board equipment. The treatment is undertaken near to onshore facilities.

International Vessels 

Before entry into a Darwin marina, you will be asked:

1. Has your vessel been in international waters?

If YES - Proceed to question 2

If NO - Answer the questions below for domestic vessels.

2. Since re-entering Australian waters has your vessel been anti-fouled?

If YES - Only the internal seawater systems require treatment. Paperwork providing details of slipping and anti-foul treatment may need to be sighted.

If NO - The hull and internal seawater systems of your vessel will need to be inspected and treated.

Domestic Vessels

Before entry into a Darwin marina, you will be asked:

1. What Australian ports did your vessel visit on your way to Darwin?

2. When was the vessel last anti-fouled?

Depending on the voyage and anti-foul history of the vessel, a hull inspection and treatment of the internal seawater systems may be required.

Please Note: If appropriate paperwork (i.e. logbooks, anti-foul and slipyard receipts) is not available, the vessel may need to undergo inspection and treatment for marine pests.