We take the stress out of your arrival or departure by ensuring that your immigration needs are taken care of and there are no surprises.

Immigration & Crew Visas

Superyachts traveling to Australia with foreign crew will require visas. The process and administration requirements will be determined by length of stay. Our team have processed hundreds of visas for crew under a range of circumstances, allowing us to streamline the process and offer complete confidence. We offer obligation free advice so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Further information regarding the Superyacht Crew visa can be found here: Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Superyacht Crew stream (homeaffairs.gov.au)

Australian Border Force

In most instances, foreign flagged Superyachts will be issued with a Cruising/Control Permit on arrival. However, the Control Permit is limited to foreign yachts arriving under their own power, for less than 12 months and with a foreign Captain.

In some circumstances a temporary or full importation may be required, which we are able to advise on. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements so that you can make informed decisions.

• Cruising/Control Permits
• Maintenance & Refit Temporary Imports
• Import/Export Declarations
  

We will need Form B333 completed and sent to us at least 96 hours prior to your arrival in order to ensure seamless processing.  B333 – Smallcraft Arrival Report (abf.gov.au)

Biosecurity

Australia has very strict biosecurity rules and regulations, which can appear daunting. However, our team can assist with everything you need to know to prepare for your arrival and allow for seamless clearances.

It is vital that arrival superyachts are well informed on the handling of:

Galley Stores: perishable fresh, frozen and dry food items General Waste
Personal effects
Medical Supplies & Alcohol
Pets, pests, plants and timber
Fire Arms and hazardous waste

CMA have assisted hundreds of yachts, and hold strong, respected relations with officials in all primary ports allowing for efficient handling. We recommend checking the Australian Biosecurity website for specific information regarding what you can being in, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Taxation

The Australian charter regulations were recently amended to allow for foreign yacht charter, provided that government defined procedures are adhered to. CMA is proud to be working with Superyacht Australia and the Australian Government to offer Charter Licence submission and fiscal recommendations to Superyachts.

We can offer our clients duty free clearance of international freight in transit, and GST/duty free fuel on departure subject to conditions.

Pilotage

Within most major ports in Australia it is a requirement to have a pilot onboard if the vessel is recreational over 50m.However, the rules and regulations of each port and indeed passage way do vary slightly, and we can offer advice on a case by case basis depending on your planned itinerary. Please do reach out, and we are happy to discuss the requirements of different ports.

Exemptions may be possible for Masters with an appropriate local knowledge/experience certificate.

Berth/Bookings

Australia is simply a vast country, and the accessibility and suitability of the infrastructure and cruising grounds varies significantly from port to port.

We have a thorough working knowledge of all superyacht berthing facilities, anchorages and maintenance services nationwide, and can assist with enquiries and bookings on your behalf.

We are very proud to offer some of the best services and infrastructure in our home port of Cairns. The Maritime Gateway city of Cairns offers easy access to all marine services and trades, as well as the Marlin Marina without the congestion of larger cities.

Waste

Waste management in Australia is highly regulated to prevent the spread of harmful microbes and bacteria into the valuable eco systems, and the departure port, arrival port and vessel intentions will determine the clearance process for each vessel and the practices and restrictions that are employed.

-biohazardous waste
-black/grey water
-oil

Please contact us for more specific advice.

Bunkers

We hold established and respected trade accounts with all major fuel suppliers in Australia, and are confident we can secure competitive pricing due to the volume with which we supply. Superyachts can take fuel by truck, bowser or barge, and to any destination in Australia based on their needs.

If a vessel is departing Australia imminently, we are able to provide fuel completely GST and duty free.

Obligation free quote available on request within 24 hours.

Carter Marine Agencies can provide the following for your chartering needs:

• Advice on setting up an Australian Company
• Obtain an ABN
• Register for GST Deferral
• Apply for Marine Park Permits
• Apply for Commercial Activity Permits
• Apply for 488 Visa’s for all crew
• Temporary Vessel importation
• Quarantine Vessel Clearance

While we always strive to offer best advice, and many of our agency services are available nationwide, Queensland is our area of expertise, and we freely offer all Captains our local resources to assist with itinerary planning.

Charts & Navigational Resources/Links

We recommended Australian Charts for cruising in and around Cairns & Whitsundays

• Aus 616 PLans in the Coral Sea (includes Osprey Reef)
• Aus 832 Cape Flattery to Barrow Point (includes Lizard Island)
• Aus 831 Low Islets to Cape Flattery (Cooktown)
• Aus 830 Russell Island to Low Islets (Cairns Area)
• Aus 829 Brooke Islands to Russell Island
• Aus 262 Approaches to Cairns
• Aus 263 Cairns (Northern Sheet)
• Aus 825 Whitsunday Island to Bowen
• Aus 824 Bailey Islet to Whitsunday Island
• Aus 252 Whitsunday Group – Laguna Quays
• Aus 253 Whitsunday Passage – Shute Harbour
• Aus 254 Plans in Whitsundays
• Aus 268 Plans or Airlie Beach & Bowen

For more comprehensive, latest cruising advice and local regulations for the Great Barrier Reef, we recommend referring to the Australian Government Great Barrier Reef Marine Park website https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/ and the associated cruising guide Superyacht https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/visit/superyachts.

Weather & Tides

Tide Times: www.msq.qld.gov.au/home/tides
Maritime Information: www.msq.qld.gov.au
Bureau of meteorology: www.bom.gov.au
Hydrographic Service: www.amsa.gov.au

Note Local time is GMT+10 hours

Local Advice

The city of Cairns is primely located in the heart of far north Queensland, and benefits from all of local services that you would expect from a modern city, without any of the drawbacks. The air is clean, and the road networks are strong, allowing for easy access city wide. Peak hour lasts for about 20 minutes at 8.30am and 4pm, while at all other times the roads are free of congestion and navigation is easy. For more information about what the city of cairns has to offer, please check out Travel Guide to Cairns, Queensland – Tourism Australia

• International Airport
• Several haul out facilities for vessels up to 1120 tons (approx 55m LOA)
• Marine chandleries
• Safety Equipment services
• World Class Marina in the heart of the city
• Museums, Libraries, Shopping Malls, Bars & Restaurants

Cairns Marlin Marina

The jewel in the crown is the sought-after Sailfish Quay which caters exclusively to superyachts up to 60m in length inside a floating pontoon, or 140m on the outside fixed wharf. Recognised as the superyacht hub of Australia, the Cairns Marlin Marina has the friendly staff to match – with decades of collective experience in the superyacht industry.

•12 dedicated Superyacht berths
• Berths up to 140M
• Customs and Quarantine clearance from berth
• Min Channel Depth 9.2M
• Depth alongside up to 6.5M
• Truck or Bowser Bunkering
• 3 Phase Power up to 200 Amps
• Refuse/Recycling services including bulk refuge removal
• Re-fuelling facilities
• Security card access to gated pontoons
• Security lighting on dock
• 24 hour security and CCTV surveillance with monitoring and recording
• 24 hour customer service
• Alongside parking for Yacht crew vehicles
• Floating work platforms for hire
• Direct access for services & suppliers for work and deliveries
• Black water pump out available
• Fresh water
• Bathroom amenities and laundry
• Wifi connection
• Modern Fire Fighting facilities
• Mail and Newspaper delivery

• Premium/Speciality Products
• Crew Stores
• Specialist equipment

• Medical Support/Supplies
• Liquor
• Floristry
• Laundry & domestic services
• Carpet Cleaning
• Dry Cleaning

• Chandlery
• Safety Equipment Servicing
• Fire Equipment Servicing
• Spares Procurement
• Repairs and technical Services

We take care of all of your freight receival and forwarding needs worldwide, and maintain wholesale, trade accounts with all major service providers.

We understand the challenges and pressures that international travel places on crew, and offer a courtesy service to crew where we will receive and hold all mail and packages on your behalf.

For ships spares, we offer:

• • Duty free clearances
  • Deliveries & Forwarding
  • Customs Clearances