MSIC Issuing Body Services

In May 2005, the Australian Government introduced amendments to the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003 in Federal Parliament in an effort to further secure the nation's maritime and offshore industries.  These amendments have led to the introduction of maritime security identity cards (MSIC) which will ensure that those working in these critical industries are subject to appropriate background checking as now occurs in the aviation industry.

As a nationally recognised form of maritime and offshore industry identification, the MSIC will distinguish the holder as having met the minimum background checking requirements.  From 1 January 2007, all personnel requiring unmonitored access to a maritime or offshore security zone will be required to display an MSIC.

On 23 January 2006, DOTARS approved Veritas Engineering Pty Ltd’s MSIC Issuing Body Plan.  Such approval enables Veritas Engineering Pty Ltd to issue and produce MSICs on behalf of its maritime and offshore industry clients.

Veritas Engineering Pty Ltd understands the implications of the new legislation and the extent to which it impacts on maritime industry operations.  Using our extensive background in systems engineering, Veritas Engineering Pty Ltd has developed a solution which utilises advances in technology to deliver MSICs for individuals, whilst maintaining a secure, auditable, card management register, as prescribed by the Regulations.

Veritas Engineering Pty Ltd can provide its clients with a complete end-to-end MSIC issuing service.  A breakdown of these services includes:

MSIC APPLICATION PROCESSING


• Distribution of MSIC application forms in paper and electronically (through our dedicated website: www.msic.id.au).
  
• Conducting 100-point checks and collecting application fees at either client sites or at our premises.
  
• Conducting information briefings to inform employers of their responsibilities associated with the MSIC program.

  MSIC CARD MANAGEMENT SERVICES
  

• Maintenance of a secure MSIC register which interfaces electronically with the appropriate Commonwealth agencies.  This register will allow the import and export of data in prescribed XML schema, in accordance with DOTARS interface specifications.
  
• Logging of MSIC register transaction history for audit purposes.
  
• Ability to provide reports on both a “push” and “pull” basis.  Clients will have the ability to print MSIC summary reports via the Internet 24/7.  Example of reports include:
  
• Status of Applications Status of Renewals (due to expire @ 1, 3 and 6 months).
  
• Exceptions (to include applications rejected for disqualifying offences – details removed; conditional approvals, etc.)
  
• Reported lost, stolen, or destroyed MSICs.

  MSIC CARD PRODUCTION
  

• Production of MSIC cards.  Options available include creating stand-alone MSIC cards or integrating MSICs with the clients’ current identity/access cards.
  
• Provision of options for contact chip encoders for memory and processor chips and contactless HID, Legic and Mifare Modules under investigation.
  
• Provision of options for support of 1D and 2D barcodes and magnetic stripes.
  
• Issuance of cards can be either in person through an approved agent or by registered post.

  OTHER CONSULTANCY SERVICES
  

• Consultancy services for the resolution of MSIC issues.
  
• Services for the provision of advice regarding industrial relations (IR) issues associated with the MSIC.
  
• Consultancy services for the provision of IT advice, related advice and support for the integration of MSIC services.
  
• Consultancy services for the provision of advice regarding general MSIC related issues.

For more information on our MSIC services, please visit the MSIC website or register your interest by sending an email to msic@veritasengineering.com.au and a consultant will speak to you shortly.