Security Identification Cards in Aviation and Maritime Security
Aviation and maritime security roles in Australia operate within a tightly regulated national security framework. Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASICs) and Maritime Security Identification Cards (MSICs) are a core part of that framework and are required for individuals who need access to secure areas of airports, ports and other transport security environments.
For students undertaking the Certificate II in Transport Security Protection, understanding ASICs, MSICs and the JobReady ASIC/MSIC option is essential. These cards are not qualifications and they are not issued by training providers. However, they are a mandatory requirement for accessing restricted training materials within this qualification and are a key prerequisite for employment in aviation and maritime security roles.
This article explains what ASICs and MSICs are, how they are regulated, why operational need matters, and how Asset College supports students through the JobReady ASIC and JobReady MSIC process in partnership with Veritas, in line with official Home Affairs guidance.
ASIC, MSIC and JobReady — At a Glance
- ASIC: Required for regular, unsupervised access to aviation security zones at airports
- MSIC: Required for unsupervised access to maritime security zones at ports, ships and offshore facilities
- JobReady ASIC/MSIC: Allows students who are not yet employed to complete the required background check for training purposes
Important for students:
For the Certificate II in Transport Security Protection, students must hold an ASIC, MSIC or JobReady ASIC/MSIC to access restricted learning materials that reflect real-world aviation and maritime security environments.
Key limitations to understand:
- JobReady does not provide a physical ASIC or MSIC card
- JobReady does not grant access to secure worksites
- Employment access requires confirmed operational need and card issuance
What Is an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)?
An Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) is an Australian Government–regulated security identification card issued to individuals who require frequent or ongoing access to aviation security zones at Australian airports. The card indicates that the holder has successfully passed a background check coordinated by AusCheck on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
ASICs are commonly required for roles such as:
- Aviation security officers and screening officers
- Airport operations and terminal staff
- Baggage handlers and airside workers
- Maintenance personnel and contractors working in secure areas
An ASIC does not automatically grant access to secure areas. Access permissions are controlled by airport operators and employers, and cardholders must comply with all local security arrangements, supervision requirements and conditions of entry.
Holding an ASIC confirms that identity and background checks have been completed. It does not guarantee employment and does not replace the need for accredited training, competency, licensing or employer authorisation to perform security duties.
What Is a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)?
A Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) is a security identification card issued to individuals who require unsupervised access to maritime security zones. Like an ASIC, an MSIC confirms that the holder has passed an Australian Government background check coordinated by AusCheck.
MSICs are required for a wide range of maritime roles, including:
- Maritime security officers
- Port and terminal workers
- Stevedores and logistics personnel
- Ship crew and contractors
- Workers at offshore facilities
Maritime security zones include areas of ports, ships and offshore facilities that are subject to heightened security controls. An MSIC does not provide automatic access to these areas. Access decisions remain the responsibility of port authorities, facility operators and employers, and all cardholders must comply with site-specific security procedures.
MSICs form part of Australia’s national maritime security framework and are designed to reduce the risk of unlawful interference with critical maritime infrastructure. As with ASICs, holding an MSIC does not replace training, competency or authorisation requirements and does not guarantee employment.
How ASICs and MSICs Are Regulated
ASICs and MSICs are regulated under Australian Government aviation and maritime security legislation and are administered through nationally consistent schemes overseen by the Department of Home Affairs.
Background checks for both cards are coordinated by AusCheck, which conducts:
- A national criminal history check, and
- A security assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Only applicants who meet the required security standards are eligible to hold an ASIC or MSIC. The purpose of the background checking process is to assess whether an individual may pose a security risk in environments considered critical to Australia’s national security.
ASICs and MSICs are issued by approved issuing bodies, not by training providers or directly by the Australian Government. Issuing bodies are responsible for:
- Processing applications
- Verifying identity documents
- Confirming operational need
- Issuing and managing cards
Asset College’s role is the delivery of accredited training. While some trainer/assessors may hold separate approvals under government schemes, Asset College does not issue ASICs or MSICs and does not determine background check outcomes.
Operational Need Explained
Under both the ASIC and MSIC schemes, most applicants must demonstrate an operational need for the card. Operational need means there is a legitimate, work-related requirement for a person to have ongoing, unsupervised access to an aviation or maritime security zone.
Operational need is usually confirmed by an employer, contractor or facility operator and is directly linked to employment duties. Without confirmed operational need, a physical ASIC or MSIC card cannot be issued, even if the applicant has successfully completed all background checks.
For students undertaking the Certificate II in Transport Security Protection, this presents a challenge. While an ASIC or MSIC is required to access restricted training materials, many students are not yet employed and therefore cannot demonstrate operational need. This is the reason the JobReady ASIC and JobReady MSIC option exists.
Introducing JobReady ASIC and JobReady MSIC
JobReady ASIC and JobReady MSIC are options designed for individuals who are undertaking aviation or maritime security training but do not yet have employment and therefore cannot demonstrate operational need at the time of application.
For students enrolled in the Certificate II in Transport Security Protection, holding an ASIC, MSIC or JobReady ASIC/MSIC is mandatory to access restricted learning materials that reflect real-world aviation and maritime security environments. The JobReady option allows students to meet this requirement while they complete their training.
JobReady ASIC/MSIC:
- Enables completion of the required AusCheck background check
- Supports access to restricted course materials
- Prepares students for a smoother transition into employment
JobReady ASIC/MSIC does not:
- Result in the issue of a physical ASIC or MSIC card
- Grant access to airport or port security zones
- Authorise the performance of regulated security duties
- Replace employer confirmation of operational need
JobReady is a training-focused pathway that aligns with Australian Government requirements while recognising the realities of pre-employment security training.
Asset College’s JobReady ASIC/MSIC Pathway (Veritas Partnership)
Asset College offers JobReady ASIC and JobReady MSIC options through its partnership with Veritas, an Australian Government–approved ASIC and MSIC issuing body.
Through this partnership, Asset College students can commence the background checking process required for ASIC or MSIC eligibility without employment-based operational need, specifically to support participation in training. Applications are submitted through the dedicated Asset College Veritas portal at:
Asset College facilitates access to the JobReady process but does not issue ASICs or MSICs and does not influence background check outcomes. All background checks are coordinated by AusCheck, and all decisions remain subject to Australian Government requirements.
If a student later gains employment with an organisation that also uses Veritas as its issuing body, the employer can provide the required operational need to complete the process and have the physical ASIC or MSIC card issued.
JobReady ASIC/MSIC Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Online application
Students apply online via Asset College’s Veritas portal, selecting the relevant JobReady ASIC or JobReady MSIC option.
Step 2: Identity document requirements
Applicants provide identity documents that meet ASIC/MSIC identification standards. These documents are required to confirm identity and support the background checking process.
Step 3: Identity verification
Identity verification can be completed:
- At Asset College, by appointment, or
- At an Australia Post outlet
Both options meet official verification requirements.
Step 4: Background check submission
Veritas submits the application to AusCheck for the national criminal history check and ASIO security assessment.
Step 5: JobReady status confirmation
Once background checks are successfully completed, the applicant attains JobReady status. At this stage, no physical ASIC or MSIC card is issued.
What JobReady Does — and Does Not — Provide
JobReady ASIC and JobReady MSIC are often misunderstood, so it is important for students to clearly understand their purpose and limitations.
JobReady ASIC/MSIC does provide:
- Completion of the Australian Government background check through AusCheck
- Eligibility to access restricted learning materials within the Certificate II in Transport Security Protection
- Evidence to employers that required security vetting has already been completed
- A more efficient transition into employment once operational need is confirmed
JobReady ASIC/MSIC does not provide:
- A physical ASIC or MSIC card
- Authority to access airport or port security zones
- Permission to perform regulated aviation or maritime security duties
- A guarantee of employment
JobReady status should be viewed as a training and preparedness measure, not as a substitute for an employer-sponsored ASIC or MSIC.
Transitioning from JobReady to a Full ASIC or MSIC
When a student who holds JobReady ASIC or JobReady MSIC status secures employment, the process can progress towards full card issuance.
If the employer uses Veritas as its ASIC/MSIC issuing body, the employer can confirm operational need and finalise the application using the existing background check. This reduces duplication and can significantly shorten timeframes.
If the employer uses a different issuing body, the student must follow that organisation’s processes, which may involve additional steps or a new application.
A physical ASIC or MSIC card is issued only after operational need is confirmed and all issuing body requirements are met. Employers and facility operators control access to secure areas, and cardholders must comply with all conditions of use.
Validity, Renewal and Ongoing Obligations
ASICs and MSICs are issued for defined periods, commonly two years, depending on the issuing body and card type. The expiry date is shown on the card, and it is the responsibility of the cardholder to ensure it remains current.
Cardholders must comply with ongoing obligations, including:
- Displaying the card as required
- Using the card only for its intended purpose
- Reporting lost, stolen or damaged cards promptly
- Returning the card if it expires, is cancelled or is no longer required
JobReady background check outcomes also have validity timeframes. If employment is delayed beyond the applicable period, additional checks or a new application may be required, depending on issuing body and government requirements.
Common Questions from Students
Do I need an ASIC, MSIC or JobReady ASIC/MSIC to undertake training?
Yes. For the Certificate II in Transport Security Protection, students must hold an ASIC, MSIC or JobReady ASIC/MSIC to access restricted learning materials that reflect real-world aviation and maritime security environments. This requirement ensures training is delivered in line with national security expectations.
Is JobReady ASIC/MSIC the same as holding an ASIC or MSIC?
No. JobReady confirms that the required background checks have been completed, but it does not result in the issue of a physical card and does not grant access to secure worksites.
Can I work with a JobReady ASIC or JobReady MSIC?
No. JobReady status does not authorise access to aviation or maritime security zones and does not permit regulated security work. Employment access requires confirmed operational need and the issue of a physical ASIC or MSIC card.
Why do employers value JobReady status?
Employers often prefer candidates who have already completed the background checking process, as it reduces onboarding time once operational need is confirmed and the card can be issued.
Can my employer use my JobReady background check?
If your employer uses Veritas as its issuing body, they may be able to rely on your existing background check to finalise card issuance. If a different issuing body is used, additional steps may be required.
How Asset College Supports Students
Asset College supports students by clearly explaining how ASICs, MSICs and JobReady ASIC/MSIC fit within aviation and maritime security training pathways, particularly for the Certificate II in Transport Security Protection.
Through its partnership with Veritas, Asset College provides students with access to a compliant JobReady application process, including options for identity verification either at Asset College (by appointment) or through Australia Post. This support helps students meet mandatory training requirements while preparing for employment.
Asset College’s role is focused on the delivery of accredited training. Asset College does not issue ASICs or MSICs, does not conduct background checks, and does not influence eligibility outcomes. Employers and approved issuing bodies remain responsible for confirming operational need and issuing cards.
Where to Get Official Information
ASICs and MSICs are regulated under Australian Government frameworks, and official guidance should always be relied upon for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Authoritative sources include:
- The Department of Home Affairs and the Critical Infrastructure Security Centre
- AusCheck, which coordinates ASIC and MSIC background checks
- Approved issuing bodies, such as Veritas
Asset College encourages students and employers to consult official government sources alongside training advice to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of ASIC and MSIC requirements.
