How it works

Keeping records

The GBRMPA encourages the use of EMC Online or electronic logbooks to submit EMC data. Paper logbooks are also still available but must be specifically requested in the case of new permittees.

Paper and electronic EMC logbooks and Charging Returns are provided by the GBRMPA to permittees at the beginning of each calendar year, and to new permittees a few weeks after the granting of a permit.

EMC Online

What is EMC Online?

EMC Online is a new web-based system to assist you in managing your EMC obligations. It is a user-friendly application with the ability to integrate EMC reporting into daily business practices and resolve accounts online.

Once you have entered your visitation data on EMC Online the total amount of EMC owing will be calculated. A secure online payment facility is provided.

EMC Online provides ready access to a range of payment options and reduces the administrative tasks involved in providing EMC information.

What are the benefits for you?

Once you are up and running and using EMC Online, you may notice a number of benefits for you and your business, including:

• A user-friendly system where EMC visitation information is easy to enter and less time is spent manually completing logbooks
• Automatic calculation of the total amount of EMC owing
• A secure online payment facility with a range of payment options to suit your business
• The ability to customise the system to suit your operation
• Allows you to integrate EMC reporting into your business practices
• A better quality service from the GBRMPA.

Need help?

Please call our EMC Online help desk weekdays between 9am and 5pm.

EMC Online help desk

Phone: (07) 4750 0837
Fax: (07) 4772 5289
Email: reefpermits@gbrmpa.gov.au

Electronic logbooks

Permittees with bareboat and aircraft operations are now required to submit electronic logbooks. Permittees with vessel operations are also encouraged to complete electronic logbooks. Electronic logbooks are supplied to permittees and are also available for download.

2012 logbooks

• Electronic logbook for vessel programs
  
• Electronic logbook for bareboat programs
• Electronic logbook for aircraft programs

Or email EMC and request a logbook be emailed to you.

Charging Returns

A Charging Return is where you summarise the information from the logbook pages regarding the amount of EMC due at the end of each quarter. It is a legal requirement to send the Charging Return and logbook pages to the GBRMPA even where there is no EMC payable. Please note that this is not required for permittees utilising EMC Online as the information provided to us through this system fulfils this obligation.

2012 Charging Returns

• Charging Return Beach Hire Operations
  
• Charging Return Mariculture Operations
• Charging Return Marina Operations
• Charging Return Pontoon Operations
• Charging Return Underwater Observatory Operations
• Charging Return Vending Operations
• Charging Return Point Source Sewage Discharge
• Charging Return Summary Form
• Nil Return

For multiple permits or vessels

In addition to the quarterly Charging Return, please fill out a Charging Return Summary Form if you have any of the following:

• multiple operations (including multiple vessels on the one permit)
• multiple permits.

You will need to contact the GBRMPA and register as a multi-permit user. For multi-permit users who submit paper or electronic logbooks a Charging Return Summary Form must be submitted to the GBRMPA with your Charging Returns. Contact the GBRMPA on (07) 4750 0700 or by emailing EMC.

Penalties

The Regulations require all permittees to meet obligations relating to EMC. Obligations include maintaining appropriate records to determine the amount of EMC payable, providing other information when requested and lodging and submitting payment by the due dates.

Failure to meet EMC obligations may invoke the following penalties:

1. Late payment: penalty of either $250 or 20 per cent per annum (whichever is greater) from the due date of payment
2. Failure to give information or returns: penalty $4400
3. Not keeping proper records: penalty $5500
4. Altering records to claim exemption: penalty $5500
5. Not retaining records for two years: penalty $5500
6. Not recording information in the logbook supplied or in a form approved by the GBRMPA: penalty $5500

Permits may be suspended if the permittee fails to comply with the Regulations requiring the provision of information, Charging Returns, logbooks and payments. It is illegal to operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park if your permit is suspended.

Permits may be revoked 60 days after a permit is suspended. This would mean that you no longer have a permit to operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

It is important to note that failure to meet EMC obligations may result in criminal proceedings as well as civil penalties. More information can be found in the Act and Regulations or by contacting the GBRMPA.

Infringement notices

Infringement notices may be issued by Inspectors for breaches of record keeping requirements. Breaches are dealt with by the issue of an on-the-spot fine instead of progressing the matter through the courts.

Infringement Notices may be issued for:

• Not keeping proper records: penalty $550
• Altering records to claim exemption: penalty $770
• Not retaining records for two years: penalty $550
• Not recording information in the logbook supplied or in a form approved by the GBRMPA: penalty $550