Broome port to tighten security

People will soon have to produce photo identification before being allowed onto the wharf in Broome - but port bosses say it will not impact on those using the public walkway for fishing and strolling.

The new Federal Organised Crime Act requires tighter security measures and checks of people wanting access to wharves across Australia.

"The Organised Crime Act will affect the general public and businesses here in Broome, primarily because we will shortly be required to have members of the public show their photo ID before gaining access to the wharf," Port of Broome chief executive Vic Justice said.

"This is in addition to the normal requirement that members of the public must be escorted onto the wharf by someone who holds both a maritime security ID card and a port authority access card.

"Before these measures actually come into force at the port, we will advertise locally so that ample notice is given for changes in wharf entry conditions."

Mr Justice said when someone wanted to access the wharf, details of their photo ID along with reason for accessing the area would be recorded by the port's security staff at the gate.

He said the only exceptions to the extra level of security vetting would be cruise ship passengers, who would have their ID's checked on and off the cruise ships by the cruise vessel security staff.

Mr Justice said charter vessel operators and maritime services providers would be required to ensure that all non-crew personnel who need to access the wharf carry photo ID. "Otherwise these boat passengers must be denied access to the wharf, which will be disappointing for everyone," he said.

"We want to make clear that this extra level of security checking was a Federal Government requirement and not that of the port security officer who will just be doing his job."

Mr Justice said there would be no change for public access to the wharf walkway but admitted CCTV would be reviewed and fencing, gates and locks would be redesigned for increased port security.