Introduction to the Maritime Security Identification Card

The Maritime Security Identification Card (or MSIC) was created by the security personnel in Australia as an easier way of identifying people who, in their line of work, had complications when they had to enter a secure/limited maritime area. They were authorized to enter, but they did not have adequate proof for such claim and until the MSIC, the whole process surrounding this topic was long and difficult. In order to get the card you need to meet certain requirements (there is an application form). With the card people are entitled to enter a particular restricted maritime zone, but the security personnel in that zone is allowed to check whether the card is real or not, and if one should by chance forget it then chances are he or she will not get in. Because of this, it is advisable that anyone who has the card carries it with him or her at all times.

The Maritime Security Identification Card was released around seven years ago. At that point in time the Australian authorities invented and published new laws considering the security act which all in all enhanced the security of certain significant maritime companies. From then, until now, the MSIC came into use. In plain language, this law implied that in order to be able to work in the maritime industry, you need to be thoroughly examined with no objections what so ever. This is good because with the MISC it is clearly distinguishable who are the man and women approved to work in a particular maritime area and who are not. If a person is approved to have the MSIC, he or she can enter areas such as ships and other facilities near the port at all times, with no problems whatsoever. This card also entitles a person to be able to work without the constant supervision of certain authorities, which was necessary earlier. This gives a person working in a maritime area a certain dose of freedom, which is positive when overall productivity is concerned.

The authorities that created the card also have the power to state that a certain offshore zone is now a security zone, of course in the area in which they have the jurisdiction to do so. This is done for a good reason. First of all, the residents are deprived of the freedom to completely handle their movements and migrations within the area. It is considered a security risk if they are allowed to do this as they please. As a result designated areas from where approved workers can peacefully finish their business without distractions from the outside world are created. Secondly, these security zones are created because of the need to reduce unpleasant distractions triggered by docking ships. The facilities that typically lead to a vast number of inconveniences are such facilities that, for example, deal with offloading and loading vessels. The introduced security zone plays a very important part in these kinds of situations with good results in the end. In addition, the security zone has entry restrictions (the area is out of bounds) to people who do not own a Maritime Security Identification Card.

Certain modifications have been made to the MSIC since 2005. One of them is additionally immune to those who have the card. To put it simply, this person cannot be charged with, for example, kidnapping or the illegal possession of weapons. There are other forms of violence that are included within this immunity. Of course, this does not mean that a card holder can behave as he would like at all times and not worry about the consequences. He or she will be charged and prosecuted, but will get certain special treatment in that situation. There are background checks for all who have the MSIC done every two years, according to these newly imposed laws. The card itself is valid within the period of up to four years. This means that before the card expires a person is obligated to perform two background checks.

Additional changes have been made considering the MSIC. These include new powers to prosecute all those who own the MSIC but are not able to meet their responsibilities that are defined by the law. These powers include the ability to advise the ones who issued the card take necessary and appropriate measures considering all those who fail to act according to law.

This concludes everything there is to say about the MSIC so that the reader can get a general knowledge about the subject at hand.