17 April 2026
Who does this notice affect?
This notice applies to stakeholders involved in military maritime arrivals in the Port of Darwin, including:
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Foreign Defence Force (FDF) agencies coordinating the arrival of military vessels in the Port of Darwin.
- Defence and military agencies responsible for managing or supporting military maritime operations in northern Australia.
- Port operators and approved arrangements operators involved in the handling, berthing or presentation of military vessels for biosecurity purposes.
- Industry participants supporting military maritime activity at the Port of Darwin who engage with the Department for biosecurity clearance or inspection requirements.
What has changed?
The Military Operations Section (MOS) has been established to deliver biosecurity inspections and operational support for military cargo, conveyances and personnel across all import pathways, both onshore and offshore, to ensure compliance with the Biosecurity Act 2015 and supporting legislation. The establishment of MOS supports a more coordinated and consistent approach to managing military related biosecurity activities for Australian Defence Force and Foreign Defence Force stakeholders.
From Monday 20 April 2026, the Military Operations Section (MOS) will commence operational responsibility for biosecurity related inspection activities relating to Australian and foreign military vessels arrivals in the Port of Darwin.
This change provides clarity on arrangements for stakeholder engagement and points of contact for military maritime activity in the Port of Darwin.
For operational and biosecurity related queries associated with inspections of military vessels in the Port of Darwin, stakeholders should use the updated contact details outlined below.
Military Operations Section (MOS)
Email: militaryoperations-northwest@aff.gov.au
On-call phone: 08 8998 4825
Note: This notice applies only to inspection activities related to military maritime arrivals in the Port of Darwin. It does not apply to military cargo operations, or traveller or aircraft clearance activities, which will continue to be managed under existing arrangements.
Further information
Military Operations Section (MOS)
Email: militaryoperations-northwest@aff.gov.au
On-call phone: 08 8998 4825.