Australia’s maritime regulator has prohibited a bulk carrier from accessing its ports and waters after an inspection in Newcastle revealed serious breaches of seafarer welfare requirements.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) conducted a detailed inspection when the vessel called at Newcastle last week. During the process, inspectors identified several compliance failures related to crew living and working conditions under the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC).
The authority reported issues including unpaid wages, inadequate food provisions, and the absence of free drinking water for crew members. Based on these findings, the vessel was detained after being assessed as not fit for operation and below the required regulatory standards.
Investigators determined that crew members had not received wages for nearly seven months. The total outstanding amount reached AUD 68,994.15, equivalent to approximately US$48,772.
As a result, AMSA imposed an immediate ban on the vessel, preventing it from entering or operating within Australian ports and waters until 4 October 2026.
Greg Witherall, acting executive director of operations at AMSA, said the enforcement action sends a clear signal to shipowners and maritime employers that compliance with the MLC is mandatory. He emphasized that seafarers are essential to maintaining Australia’s supply chains and must be compensated lawfully and fairly.
He further stated that wage violations constitute exploitation and will not be tolerated. Operators found in breach risk strict enforcement measures, including vessel bans that can result in losses amounting to millions of dollars due to restricted port access.
AMSA is responsible for enforcing the Maritime Labor Convention in Australia through the Navigation Act 2012 and associated delegated legislation.
