Maritime security guards
Regulated maritime industry participants may employ maritime security guards to safeguard against unlawful interference in relation to maritime or ship operations within a security regulated port.
Maritime security guards (MSGs) are persons that have satisfied the training and qualification requirements and are on duty at a security regulated port, on a security regulated ship or on a security regulated offshore facility.
The primary role of MSGs is to maintain the integrity of security zones within a security regulated port. MSGs are provided with powers established under the
Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (MTOFSA).
Functions and powers of MSGs
MSGs are employed to perform a range of functions, including but not limited to:
controlling access
controlling embarkation onto vessels/ports of people, baggage and cargo
monitoring restricted areas (including maritime security zones)
providing security services including patrols
supervising cargo and ship stores
checking documentation (including identity documents)
monitoring closed circuit television.
The powers of an MSG can only be exercised by persons meeting the requirements set out in s162(1) of the MTOFSA. MSGs that satisfy these requirements have powers to:
request people to produce identification and state reasons for being in maritime security zones
restrain and detain people
remove unauthorised people from maritime security zones if they do not leave when requested to do so
request a vehicle or vessels is removed from maritime security zones by persons in control of them
remove unauthorised vehicles and vessels from maritime security zones.
