The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has taken decisive enforcement action against seafarer exploitation, banning a foreign‑flagged vessel from entering or operating in Australian ports for six months.
Following a comprehensive inspection conducted when the vessel docked in Newcastle, AMSA identified serious breaches of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). These included almost seven months of unpaid crew wages, as well as welfare concerns, including insufficient food and a lack of free drinking water for seafarers. The vessel was subsequently detained and declared substandard, with unpaid wages totalling AUD 68,994.15.
AMSA Acting Executive Director of Operations, Greg Witherall, said the action sends a clear message to shipowners and operators that Australia has zero tolerance for the exploitation of seafarers. AMSA has reiterated that failure to meet minimum standards for wages, accommodation, and basic welfare will result in strong regulatory consequences under Australian law and international conventions.
This enforcement action reinforces AMSA’s ongoing commitment to protecting seafarers’ rights and ensuring fair, safe, and lawful working conditions across the maritime industry.
Read the full AMSA media release here:
https://media.amsa.gov.au/media-release/amsa-cracks-down-seafarer-exploitation-bans-vessel-six-months [media.amsa.gov.au]
