The official position reiterated today the 14th January remains as follows (NO CHANGE) !!!
Here is the actual extract from the regulation issued by Australian Customs from their :-
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4791
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Information for yachts travelling to australia - let us know you're coming
The Master of a vessel arriving in Australia is required by law to give notice of impending arrival not later than 96 hours before arrival. Penalties may apply for failure to do so.
If the journey, from a place outside Australia, is likely to take less than ninety-six (96) hours then the below sliding scale is used based on the steaming time from the previous foreign port (section 64(5)(cool.gif(i) of the Customs Act- Customs Regulations section 27).
Likely duration of journey
Specified period
1.
72 hours or more but less than 96 hours :- 72 hours
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2.
48 hours or more but less than 72 hours :- 48 hours
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3.
24 hours or more but less than 48 hours :- 24 hours
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4.
Less than 24 hours :- 12 hours
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There are several agencies interested in your arrival - principally Customs, Quarantine and Immigration.
96 hours notice may be given by either;
* Sending an email to
yachtreport@customs.gov.au:
* Sending a fax to +61 2 6275 6331;
* Phoning the Australian Customs National Communications Centre on +61 3 9244 8973.
You will need to provide the following information
* The name of your craft;
* Your intended first port of arrival;
* Your estimated arrival time;
* Your last four ports;
* The details of people on board including name, date of birth, nationality and passport number;
* Details of any illness or disease recently encountered;
* If you have any animals on board;
* If you have any firearms on board.
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Suggest you keep a copy of email or fax sent to customs
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IGNOR any other information as mere wishful thinking - follow the rules !