Customs officer in Australia

Customs officer in Australia work for the Australian Customs Service, mainly at major airports, seaports or outposts along the Australian coastline.

Customs officers check passengers and crew before clearing them for entry into Australia. They check luggage and other cargo of ships and aircraft to prevent the illegal entry into Australia of prohibited, quarantined or dutiable goods.

Customs officers may perform the following tasks:

· assess risk levels of all passengers, crew, aircraft, ship’s cargo and mail entering or leaving Australia;

· board ships and aircraft to detect illegal activity such as undocumented cargo, prohibited goods or stowaways;

· check documents, examine luggage and clear goods for import or export;

· write reports;

· collect tariffs and duty;

· patrol the coastline to detect illegal entry of people, drugs, firearms, and other goods and vessels;

· make arrests, assist with prosecution and give evidence in court;

· monitor security in customs-controlled areas.

Much of the work undertaken by Customs Trainees and Level 1 officers involves contact with the public, use computers and clerical duties. Most positions involve shift work.

Customs officers in Australia usually work as part of the team o under general supervision. During initial training and the early stages of their careers, they can expect to be moved through a number of different areas, some of which may involve shift work and overtime. This may include periods of transfer to Customs centers around Australia.

A Customs uniform is usually worn.

Personal Requirements:

· good communication and interpersonal skills;

· flexible and resourceful;

· good organization and planning skills;

· able to work as part of a team;

· courteous and efficient with high ethnical standards;

· pass a medical examination;

· satisfy Customs security requirements;

· at least 18 years of age;

· must be an Australian citizen.

Task 15. Find the sentences where the Infinitive is used.

Task 16. Answer the following questions:

1. Where do Australian customs officers mainly work at?

2. What tasks may customs officers perform?

3. What are the duties of the Level 1 officers?

4. Is a customs uniform necessary in Australia?

5. What personal requirements of a customs officer in Australia do you know?

6. What general skills are required?

7. Are the requirements the same as in Russian Customs Service?

8. Where do you think is more difficult to work: at Australian Customs Service, or in Russian Customs Service?