Core Services

Arrivals & Departures

Whether you're checking into Australia or clearing out, we manage every immigration, customs and biosecurity formality so your arrival and departure are seamless from start to finish.

IMMIGRATION & CREW VISAS

Foreign crew arriving in Australia aboard a superyacht will need a crew visa, and the right pathway depends on the length and purpose of stay. The two most common are the Temporary Activity visa (Subclass 408) Superyacht Crew stream for crew working aboard a vessel in Australian waters.

Our team has processed hundreds of crew visas across just about every scenario you can think of, so we know how to keep applications clean, fast and stress-free. We also keep a close eye on policy changes as they happen, which means no surprises mid-season.

Visa advice is obligation-free so if you're weighing up options for your crew, just reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.

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

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

In most cases, foreign-flagged superyachts arriving in Australia under their own power are issued a Control Permit by the Australian Border Force on arrival. The Control Permit applies to vessels staying less than 12 months, arriving under their own power and operating with a foreign captain.

Where those conditions aren't met, a temporary importation or full importation may be required instead each with different duty, GST and compliance implications. We can advise on which pathway applies to your vessel and what it means in practice.

Every arrival is different, so please get in touch to talk through your vessel's specific circumstances. We'll make sure you have what you need to make informed decisions before you reach Australian waters.

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 some of the strictest biosecurity rules in the world, and for a visiting superyacht they can look daunting. Our team takes the guesswork out of it we'll tell you exactly what's required to prepare for arrival so your clearance runs smoothly the first time.

Getting biosecurity right comes down to knowing how the following are handled on arrival:

Galley stores — fresh, frozen and dry provisions
General waste
Personal effects
Medical supplies and alcohol
Pets, pests, plants and timber
Firearms and hazardous waste

CMA has assisted hundreds of yachts through Australian biosecurity clearance and holds strong, respected relationships with officials across all primary ports which means efficient handling and fewer surprises on the day.

We recommend checking the Australian Government's biosecurity website for specifics on what you can and can't bring in, but if anything's unclear, just get in touch and we'll walk you through it.

What food can you bring in? (abf.gov.au)

Clownfish swimming near a pink sea anemone in a vibrant coral reef

TAXATION

CMA holds a TRADEX account, which can deliver real savings for eligible yachts. TRADEX (the Tradex Scheme) allows duty and GST to be waived upfront on imported goods that are intended for re-export so rather than paying on arrival and reclaiming later, eligible vessels can avoid the cost altogether. It can typically apply to:

Spare parts and equipment brought in for the vessel
Refit and maintenance materials
Provisions and consumables intended for re-export

For superyachts bringing goods into Australia over a season, that can make a meaningful difference to the bottom line.

Every vessel's situation is different, so get in touch and we'll talk through whether TRADEX makes sense for your circumstances.

Port Services

In most major Australian ports, recreational vessels over 50 metres are required to carry a pilot onboard. The rules vary from port to port, and even between passages, so the best approach is to look at your itinerary and work out exactly what applies and where.

Get in touch and we'll happily talk you through the requirements for the ports you're planning to visit. In some cases an exemption may be possible where the Master holds a suitable local knowledge or experience certificate.

BERTHING & INFRASTRUCTURE

Australia is a vast country, and the accessibility and suitability of the infrastructure and cruising grounds vary significantly from port to port. We have a thorough working knowledge of superyacht berthing facilities, anchorages and maintenance services nationwide, and can handle enquiries and bookings on your behalf.

We provide full support services for yachts berthing at the following marinas and shipyards:

Cairns — Marlin Marina
Airlie Beach — Coral Sea Marina
Hamilton Island — Hamilton Island Marina
Brisbane — Rivergate Marina and Shipyard
Brisbane — The Yard Brisbane
Sydney — Jones Bay Marina
Gold Coast — Southport Yacht Club, Mega Yacht Berth
Gold Coast — Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM)
Gold Coast — The Boat Works

Wherever you're planning to cruise, get in touch and we'll point you to the right facilities and sort the bookings for you.

BUNKERS

When it comes to fuel, our buying power is hard to beat. We hold established, respected trade accounts with every major fuel supplier in Australia, and the volume we move means we consistently secure pricing the competition struggles to match — anywhere in the country.

Wherever your vessel is headed, we'll get fuel to you: by truck, bowser or barge, to any destination in Australia based on your needs. And if you're departing Australian waters imminently, we can supply completely GST and duty free.

Want to see the numbers? Send us your details and we'll have an obligation-free quote back to you within 24 hours

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste management in Australia is tightly regulated to keep harmful microbes and bacteria out of our valuable ecosystems. The clearance process for each vessel along with the practices and restrictions that apply depending on your departure port, arrival port and the vessel's intentions.

We can advise on handling and disposal across:

Biohazardous waste
Black and grey water
Oil

The rules shift depending on where you've come from and where you're headed, so get in touch and we'll give you specific advice for your situation.

A white luxury yacht sailing on blue ocean water, leaving a trail of white foam behind.

Chartering

Carter Marine Agencies can provide the following for your chartering needs

Advice on registering for a GST deferral

Apply for
Commercial Activity Permits

Apply for
Marine Park Permits

Apply for 408 Visa’s and sponsorship applications as required

Quarantine
Vessel Clearance

Temporary Vessel importation

We’d love to hear from you!

As specialists in providing professional concierge and agency services to the superyacht industry, we are here to help make your next adventure Downunder unforgettable.

You can reach us by email, mobile, or by completing the enquiry form.

SARAH TOXWARD
General Manager
Mobile: +61 (0)431 793 499
Email: agent@cmaaust.com