Customs & Australian Quarantine Inspection
Pre-Arrival Reporting Requirements
The master, Owner or appointed agent of any vessel arriving in Australia from overseas is required to report their impending arrival to Customs not later than 96 hours before arrival. Details to be provided and methods of reporting are provided on the Australian Customs website at www.customs.gov.au – see Travelers – Yachts Traveling to and from Australia. Alternatively, you can send an email to: yachtsreport@customs.gov.au
Ports of entry are also available on the Australian Customs website – see Travelers – Yachts traveling to and from Australia – Ports of entry; then select the relevant state.
On Arrival
When you arrive in Australia, you must first call at a port of entry – Breakwater Marina in Townsville is a designated port of entry for Customs clearance. The vessel must clearly display the International Pratique Q-Flag (yellow).
Customs and Quarantine clearance must be completed before going ashore:
- Stay on board. No persons other than a Quarantine or Customs officer is allowed to board your craft, nor can any person, animal or article leave the craft until you have been given full clearance.
- Depending on your arrival time, Customs and Quarantine may require all persons to remain onboard overnight before clearing the following day.
- Don’t throw any waste or foodstuffs overboard while you’re in Australian waters or while you’re moored. Use designated Quarantine disposal points.
- Keep all food and animals secure until your vessel has been inspected by Quarantine officers.
- Don’t trade foodstuffs with other overseas vessels.
- Keep your vessel free of insects.
NOTE: To go ashore without prior clearance is an offence. Contact with other vessels in port before clearance is prohibited.
The designated international arrival facility at Breakwater Marina is the fuel dock located immediately inside the Marina entrance on the Starboard side. In accordance with the information above, it is imperative that vessels clearing customs DO NOT secure to the fuel dock until customs officers are onsite. Vessels arriving after hours will be required to stand-off in the breakwater area outside the Marina entrance.
Any questions or concerns, please contact Marina Administration staff.
