Authorities have intercepted a boat carrying 38 asylum seekers off Christmas Island on Monday.
HMAS Bathurst found the boat west of the island after it was detected by RAAF maritime patrol aircraft.
Border Protection Command transferred the 38 passengers and two crew on board to Christmas Island for initial checks.
People who arrive by boat without a visa are now subject to the deal with Papua New Guinea recently announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
AAP smk/gd/
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