The navy has intercepted another asylum seeker boat bound for Christmas Island.

Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said patrol boat HMAS Bundaberg, operating under the control of Border Protection Command, intercepted the suspected irregular entry vessel north of Christmas Island on Saturday morning.

Initial indications suggest there are 19 passengers on board, he said.

"Border Protection Command will now make arrangements for the passengers to be transferred to Christmas Island, where they will undergo initial security, health and identity checks, and their reasons for travel will be established," he said in a statement.