At Flinders Ports, we are committed to keeping our ports safe, secure and resilient by protecting our people, operations, infrastructure, vessels and cargo from security threats and risks.
“Know your access requirements. Stay alert. Help keep our ports secure.”
Current security levels:
Access Requirements
Everyone accessing a Flinders Ports facility must have their entry and exit recorded at a designated entry point. Flinders Ports Access Card holders must swipe their own access card, while non-access card holders must be escorted by an authorised person.
At the entry point, non-access card holders must use the visual verification system to identify themselves to the Security Monitoring Centre. They must also present a government-issued photo ID or a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC), where applicable, before entry is authorised.
To maintain secure access:
- Keep your access card secure – never share your Flinders Ports Access Card or allow another person to use it.
- Prevent tailgating – ensure each person is individually authorised and their entry and exit are recorded. Report any suspected unauthorised access to the Security Monitoring Centre.
- Secure the gate – ensure access gates are closed securely behind you.
- Stay authorised – only enter areas required for your work and where you have the appropriate authorisation, induction or permit.
- Remain escorted – non-access card holders, and non-MSIC holders where an MSIC is required, must remain with their authorised escort at all times.
These requirements support our obligations under the Customs Act 1901 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and associated regulations, helping protect our ports, people, cargo and supply chain.
See the FAQs below for additional access requirements.
Applying for an Access Card
To apply for a Flinders Ports Access Card, you must complete an application form and email it to Flinders Ports at [email protected].
Once your application is received, induction details will be sent to the email address you provided. A $100 fee applies for each access card. Please note that an access card will only be issued to those who hold a MSIC or provide evidence of applying for one.
Applying for Access – FAQs
What do I need to provide with my access card application?
To apply for a Flinders Ports Access Card, you’ll need to email [email protected] with:
- your completed application form
- a copy of your MSIC, or evidence of applying for one (e.g. receipt)
- a recent headshot photo
- your preferred method for receiving your card – either collecting it from our Port Adelaide office OR having it posted to you.
Do I have to pay for the card?
Yes, the card costs $100 and is valid for two years. Payment can only be made by EFT and an invoice will be emailed once the access card has been created.
How long will the online induction take?
Inductions for port users normally take about one hour, but it depends on which areas of our port facilities that you need to access. Once your application is received, induction details will be sent to the email address you provided.
What should I do if my card is lost/stolen/damaged? Can I still gain access?
Lost, stolen or damaged Flinders Ports Access Cards must be reported immediately to the Security Monitoring Centre on our 24/7 phone line (08) 8447 0600. Your card will be cancelled and you will need to apply for a replacement card and pay a fee of $100 for your new card.
If you don’t have a card, you will not be able to gain access. Flinders Ports has a strict policy on access, which is applied without exception: no induction, no card, means no access.
How do I renew my access card?
A Flinders Ports Access Card is valid for two years. If your card is due to expire, it is possible to renew this for a further two years, providing you have a valid MSIC. There is no need to renew your photo, but you will need to renew your induction status and pay a renewal fee of $100 for your new card.
Are a ship's crew allowed to leave their ship and what will they require?
When a ship arrives at one of our ports, the Flinders Ports’ pilot will issue the vessel’s Captain with Flinders Ports Access Cards for the ship’s crew. The ship’s Captain is responsible for these cards and must keep a register of who they are given to.
When the vessel departs, the Captain must give the access cards back to our pilot along with the register of card recipients. A $50 fine will be issued for any lost or stolen cards that are not returned by the Captain.
Any changes to the ship’s crew are managed by the ship’s agent, who will organise the crew member’s entry into the port.
How do access requirements differ under security levels 1, 2 and 3?
Security level 1 is the normal security level at Flinders Ports’ facilities. Under level 1, you will need your Flinders Ports Access Card to gain access to our facilities through our electronic gates.
If Australian Government agencies advise us to increase our security level to Level 2 or 3, our electronic access gates will be manned, port users will need to show their MSIC to our security personnel at the gates and correctly display their MSIC card at all times while on site.
At levels 2 or 3, we may also be required to conduct random stop and searches of anyone within our port precincts.
Access Requirements – Port Facilities & Cargo Terminals
Access Card Holders
To enter our port facilities and cargo terminals, you must:
- Swipe in and swipe out – use your valid Flinders Ports Access Card on the Electronic Access Control System (EACS) every time you enter and leave. Every entry and exit must be recorded.
- Carry photo ID – while on site, you must carry government-issued photo identification and produce it if requested by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
- Have an operational need – you must have a legitimate operational need to be within the port facility or cargo terminal.
Non-Access Card Holders
To enter our port facilities and cargo terminals, you must:
- Be escorted at all times – you must remain escorted by an authorised Flinders Ports Access Card holder while on site.
- Register in and out – use the EACS visual verification system at the gate to register your entry and to exit. Valid government-issued photo identification is required.
- Carry photo ID – keep your government-issued photo identification with you while on site and produce it if requested by the ABF.
- Have an operational need – you must have a legitimate operational need to enter the port facility or cargo terminal.
Escort responsibility: Access card holders escorting a non-access card holder are responsible for maintaining direct line of sight and ensuring the person they are escorting complies with port security and access requirements. Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in access restrictions.
Access Requirements – Maritime Security Zones
Everyone entering an active Maritime Security Zone (MSZ) must understand and comply with the following access requirements.
MSIC Holders
To enter an active MSZ, you must:
- Be authorised – you must have an operational need to enter and approval from Flinders Ports, such as authorised zone access on your Flinders Ports Access Card or inclusion on an approved access list.
- Display your MSIC – your valid MSIC must be displayed in accordance with MSIC display requirements at all times.
- Swipe in and swipe out – use your valid Flinders Ports Access Card on the Electronic Access Control System (EACS) when entering and leaving. Every entry and exit must be recorded.
- Sign the access register when directed – where the MSZ is attended by Port Security, you may also be required to sign in and out using the access register.
- Carry photo ID – carry government-issued photo identification and produce it if requested by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
- Follow security directions – you must comply with all directions from Port Security and authorised personnel.
Non-MSIC Holders
A person without a valid MSIC may only enter an active MSZ when authorised and must be continuously escorted by an authorised MSIC holder.
To enter an active MSZ, you must:
- Be escorted at all times – remain with your authorised MSIC escort for the entire time you are within the MSZ.
- Register entry and exit – your entry and exit must be recorded using the required EACS visual verification or security access-register process.
- Have an operational need – you must have a legitimate operational need to enter the MSZ.
- Follow security directions – you must comply with all directions from Port Security and your escort.
Escort responsibility: The MSIC holder is responsible for maintaining direct line of sight with the person or persons being escorted and ensuring they comply with all port security requirements. One MSIC holder may escort a maximum of five non-MSIC holders, unless a higher number has been specifically approved by Flinders Ports. Failure to meet escort responsibilities may result in access restrictions.
Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSIC)
An MSIC is a nationally recognised identification card that shows you have had a valid background check and are not considered a security threat to either a seaport or offshore oil or gas facility.
A valid MSIC is required to obtain a Flinders Ports Access Card and for unescorted access to Maritime Security Zones (MSZ). Even workers under the age of 18 must have a valid MSIC to work in restricted areas.
Where Maritime Security Zones Apply
MSZs are areas where heightened security controls apply based on risk. At Flinders Ports, MSZs are activated 30 minutes before a vessel arrives, remain active while the vessel is berthed, and are deactivated once the vessel clears the berth.
MSZs may apply at passenger vessel berths, container terminals and fuel facilities. Additional controls may also be introduced at heightened maritime security levels.
See the Applying for Access FAQs above for further requirements when accessing MSZs.
How do I know whether I need an MSIC?
You will need an MSIC to obtain a Flinders Ports Access Card and if you work on a wharf, onboard a ship or an offshore oil and gas facility.
If you visit an Australian regulated port, ship or offshore facility more than once a year to deliver or collect goods, provide services or conduct regular maintenance, you will also need an MSIC.
How do I obtain an MSIC?
You will need to apply for an MSIC from an authorised MSIC issuing body.
At the Flinders Port Holdings group, we source our MSICs from Veritas Engineering Pty Ltd. Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for a full list of bodies authorised to issue MSICs.
What will I need for my MSIC application?
You will need to include proof of identification documents:
- One primary identification document and one secondary identification document, or two tertiary documents.
For your primary identification document, you can choose one from the following:
- A valid copy of your birth certificate, a valid copy of your citizenship or naturalisation certificate, a valid Australian passport, a valid passport from another country showing your visa and eligibility to work/status.
For your secondary identification, you may provide one of the following documents: a valid driver’s licence with your photograph, a valid government employee identification card or a valid student identification card.
Alternatively, applicants may provide two of the following tertiary documents: a bank or credit card statement displaying your name and address, a signed statement from your employer or former employer and a rates notice in your name showing your address.
In addition to the identification documents, you will need to have your photograph taken by the MSIC issuing authority, provide proof that you need to hold an MSIC for operational reasons and that you are eligible to work in Australia.
What background checks are carried out for the MSIC and why?
The Australian Government will assess your application for an MSIC by checking whether you have been convicted of any serious offences that are relevant to maritime security.
The criminal history background check for an MSIC is conducted on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs by Auscheck.
The background checks are necessary to protect Australians from terrorists and other threats to our maritime and offshore facilities. The requirement for every individual entering secure maritime and offshore areas to hold an MSIC means that those individuals have proven their identity, have the right to work in Australia, do not have an adverse security assessment and do not have an adverse criminal record.
What happens if my MSIC application is rejected?
If your MSIC application is rejected, you will be told the reasons why as well as any appeal rights you have, in writing.
Your employer will not be informed and will not receive any information from your background checks. It is your choice whether you wish to discuss your rejected MSIC application, or information from your background checks with your employer.
If you decide not to appeal against the rejection of your MSIC application, or if your appeal is unsuccessful, you will not be able to obtain a Flinders Ports Access Card or be allowed to access or work unmonitored in an MSZ.
How long is an MSIC card valid for?
You can choose whether to apply for an MSIC card which is valid for two years or four years. After the validity period expires, you will need to renew your MSIC and undergo another background check before your replacement card can be issued.
If you no longer need to obtain a Flinders Ports Access Card or work in an MSZ, your MSIC card will be cancelled within the validity period and you must return the cancelled card to the issuing body.
What are the rules for displaying the MSIC?
You must wear your MSIC above waist height at the front or side of your body and the entire front section of your MSIC must be clearly visible when accessing an MSZ. Failure to display your MSIC, or displaying it incorrectly, may incur a fine.
See the Applying for Access FAQs above for further requirements when accessing MSZs.
Site Information
Flinders Ports operates a number of facilities across South Australia. Select a port precinct below to view maps of its location and entry points.
Outer Harbor
Berth 8
- Address: Pelican Point Road, Outer Harbor SA 5018
- Entry points:
- Gate A (Pelican Point Road Access)
- Berth Gate
Inner Harbour
Berth 18-20
- Address: Ocean Steamers Road, Port Adelaide SA 5015
- Entry points:
Berth 25
- Address: Ocean Steamers Road, Port Adelaide SA 5015
- Entry point: Access gate
Berth 27
- Address: Moonta Rd, Port Adelaide SA 5015
- Entry point: Access gate
Berth 29
- Address: Minnipa Rd, Port Adelaide SA 5015
- Entry points:
H Berth
- Address: Stirling Street, Birkenhead SA 5015
- Entry point: Access gate
K Berth
- Address: Elder Road, Peterhead SA 5016
- Entry point: Access gate
M Berth
- Address: Elder Road, Largs Bay SA 5016
- Entry point: Access gate
N Berth
- Address: London Court, Largs Bay SA 5016
- Entry point: Access gate
Osborne Berth 1
- Address: 618 Mersey Rd N, Osborne SA 5017
- Entry point: Access gate
Regional Ports
Klein Point
- Address: Wool Bay SA 5575
- Entry point: Access gate
Port Giles
- Address: 483 Hickeys Dr, Coobowie SA 5583
- Entry point: Access gate
Port Lincoln
Brennen’s Wharf
- Address: King St, Port Lincoln SA 5606
- Entry point: Access gate
Kirton Point (Fuel Berth)
- Address: Gawler Terrace, Port Lincoln, SA 5606
- Entry point: Access gate
Port Pirie
- Address: Alexander St, Port Pirie SA 5540
- Entry points:
Thevenard
- Address: Thevenard Rd, Thevenard SA 5690
- Entry point: Access gate
Wallaroo
- Address: Jetty Road, Wallaroo SA 5556
- Entry point: Access gate
Security Levels
Maritime security levels reflect the Australian Government’s assessed level of security risk.
They determine the protective measures that must be implemented at regulated port facilities and aboard vessels. As the security level increases, additional security measures and controls are required.
All persons accessing Flinders Ports facilities must comply with directions issued by Port Security personnel or other authorised representatives. These measures help protect people, port infrastructure, vessels and cargo.
Biosecurity
Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, all international vessels and goods become subject to biosecurity control on entering Australian territory (12NM offshore).
Vessels subject to biosecurity control must only enter Australia at ports that have been determined as first points of entry under section 229 of the Act, unless permission has been granted by the department to enter a non-first point of entry (under subsection 247(2)).
This ensures that vessels enter Australia at a location that has appropriate facilities and personnel to manage the biosecurity risks to an acceptable level.
Biosecurity training is available through the Australian Government’s National Biosecurity Training Hub to help businesses and personnel understand their responsibilities and manage biosecurity risks.
Biosecurity Incident Response Procedures
Report a Security Event
If you see a security emergency at our port precincts, please call the Police on 000.
If you are concerned about any suspicious or unusual activity, please report it to Flinders Ports’ Security Monitoring Centre on 24-hour security number +61 (0)8 8447 0600 or submit a Third-Party Incident Notification.
All suspicious or unusual activity should also be reported to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
