First of all, thanks to Dennis Lobb of Coffs Harbour for bringing this our attention.

Second.. to go to the gubment website to view th edocument in question and to access other related links, click here.. http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/import/general-info/ian/10/21-2010.

Here are some of the quotes from the website page that also got my attention;

Each consignment must be accompanied by sufficient documentation to
allow AQIS to determine the vessel’s age, country of manufacture,
construction, former location/s, and travel and treatment history.
Vessels arriving without the required documentation and/or vessel
history will automatically be regarded as high risk vessels.

Low risk vessels are those with minimal timber in their construction and
fit-outs OR if more than minimal timber NOT manufactured/re-fitted in a
high risk country AND has not spent three or more months (cumulative) in
high risk countries. As examples, AQIS considers that vessels with
minimal timber in construction and fit-out may include (but are not
restricted to):

* vessels generally with fibreglass, composite or steel hulls and
non timber masts
* internal fit-outs that are mainly with Medium Density Fibreboard
(MDF) or particle board or other composite timber like products,
with solid timber only being used in trims.

Ah... BTW, has anyone ever used MDF or particle board on a boat?!

Because after 3 months away, our boat may fall into this catagory when returing from Asia regardless of construction, calls were made to try to acertain if our vessel would be at risk and what the costs may be if it was.

Our boat is fibreglass composite construction with plywood in bulkheads and fitout. I called the 1800 020 504 number on the AQIS web site, described that construction and was given the harshest possible interpretation from a person named "tim". He did indicate we would be a "high risk" vessel because of th eplywood uswd in the bulkheads. He informed me that termites can live "up to thrity years" in plywood. I asked "Tim" what countries were considered "high risk" and was told all of Asia, Africa, South America and all Polynesia except Vanuatu were high risk. NZ not.

I was then refereed to an individual in Darwin (Liz Regeling 08 8920 7019) that assured me she was the last word and she indicated a boat like mine would not be considered "high risk" upon re-entry. But I do note that the text in the document read in strictest sense says otherwise. She did make an issue of accessability too. Liz did infer that a boat with areas not accessable, perhaps void areas, could be assumed high risk.

Also note that there is only one approved inspection service in Australia so far, on the Gold Coast. It would be up to you entering to obtain a private service that AQIS would accept. I could get no information on what to expect for cost. I really don't think anyone knew.

Once again.. a protocol established for a purpose that seems out touch. That is.. it's not like Australia is free from termites now and AQIS have not provided any support for the necessity of this protocol.

And the ambiguity is another case where the particular officer has great latitude.. literal or common sense interpretation of the rule? Good luck, bad luck... This is all the more reason to pick your port of entry carefully. It's interesting to note that the ply I am using for construction is imported from "high risk" countries.