Get the right holiday advice

By Andrew Stackpool

THE Defence Security Authority (DSA) is reminding ADO personnel to be aware of restrictions to personal overseas travel and the need to notify it of any such travel.

DSA says personnel are required to complete the following when planning personal travel overseas:

• Visit the Unit Security Officer (USO).
  
• Fill in an AB644 - Notification of Proposed Overseas Travel.
  
• Have the USO provide a copy of the Defensive Briefing Before Overseas Travel.
  
• Access travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade web site www.dfat.gov.au/travel/ well in advance of intended travel to be familiar with prevailing conditions. (The web site contains a link to http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/, which provides essential information for prospective travellers.)
  
• Complete Certification of Security Advice Given for Overseas Travel (from USO).
  
• On return, visit the USO to complete the AB645 - Overseas Travel - Debriefing Certificate.

DSA’s web site, located at http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/dsa/ contains further information on personal protective security measures and travel reporting.

CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston said it was timely to remind personnel about their obligations regarding private travel overseas.

“Personnel who travel overseas are recommended to follow the security precautions outlined in the relevant DFAT travel advice,” AIRMSHL Houston said.

“CDF has directed that all ADF personnel undertaking private travel overseas are not to travel to areas of war-like operations or to any country to which DFAT has issued the highest levels of travel warning.”

Moonlighting warning

Top 10 Travel Tips

1 Read up on where you’re going.

2 Get professional advice on in-country travel from your travel agent.

3 Get the necessary visas for travel.

4 Take out appropriate travel insurance.

5 For longer stays in a country, or where the security situation is volatile, register your details at the local Australian embassy or, preferably, online.

6 Know where to get help.

7 Keep in regular contact with friends and family in Australia.

8 Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions.

9 Protect your personal information and make copies of your passport, insurance policy, traveller cheques and credit card numbers.

10 Don’t get involved in illicit drugs.

 

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