Another boatload of suspected asylum seekers has been intercepted off the Australian coast.

A border protection vessel stopped the boat at 5.30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, approximately 35 nautical miles from Cape Van Diemen on the Tiwi Islands, which is north of Darwin.

The vessel was believed to be carrying 16 people, who will be taken to Christmas Island for security, identity and health checks.

The latest interception demonstrated the effectiveness of Australia's border protection policy, Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said in a statement.