By this date all port and maritime workers on docks, cargo ships or gas and oil rigs must display identification cards approved by Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) and Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Called the Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC), it is the security brainchild of the Department of Transport and Regional Services. Nationally, around 130,000 cards will be issued with 10,000 MSIC accreditations planned for Sydney alone.

To meet the new federal government security protocols, the Port of Brisbane has implemented an online training model to replace face-to-face programs.

So far, it is the only maritime port in Australia to have begun work on the project, a task so big the organization had to enlist online training company TodayCorp Ltd.

The provider developed an online awareness course which is about 15 pages and includes a card registration form that matches a Web site checklist allowing staff to enter all of their details online.