In blatant disregard for the Federal decision to keep shipping and cargo moving in Australia and despite having an exemption pass with a September 30 expiry date and authority to travel as an 'essential services worker' an AIMS cargo surveyor has this morning been detained in Queensland.

We have been advised that QLD police contacted Maritime Safety Queensland to check if maritime workers and marine surveyors were considered essential and that Maritime Safety Queensland advised that marine surveyors were not considered 'essential'.

Attempts at intervention from several agencies including the federal  Maritime and Shipping Branch of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications were unsuccessful this morning and Queensland authorities have refused to release the surveyor to undertake his duties. 

All marine surveyors should be aware that Queensland 'will not budge' and that while shipping has been exempt in Queensland and all other States it appears that different QLD jurisdictions have their own rules. You can no longer rely on your exemption pass and there is little that  can be done to assist you.

Please, all marine surveyors be very wary, do not travel to Queensland - contact us to help you find a surveyor in the area that you need your survey carried out. Do not rely on your exemption pass or authorisation to travel.