This from the Australian Cistoms and Immigration website. Does this sound all that draconian ? I think not.
information for yachts travelling to australia - let us know you're coming
The Master of a vessel arriving in Australia is required by law to give notice of impending arrival not later than 96 hours before arrival. Penalties may apply for failure to do so.
There are several agencies interested in your arrival - principally Customs, Quarantine and Immigration.
96 hours notice may be given by either;
- Sending an email to yachtreport@customs.gov.au:
- Sending a fax to +61 2 6275 6331;
- Phoning Australian Customs National Communications Centre on telephone number +61 3 9244 8973
You will need to provide the following information
- The name of your craft;
- Your intended first port of arrival;
- Your estimated arrival time;
- Your last four ports;
- The details of people on board including name, date of birth, nationality and passport number;
- Details of any illness or disease recently encountered;
- If you have any animals on board;
- If you have any firearms on board.