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Web Alert: Australia - detention and ban on vessel for non-payment of crew wages
News & Insights 1 October 2017
Members are reminded to ensure that their vessels’ operations and maintenance comply with the prescribed mechanical and safety standards and that their crew are treated fairly and in accordance with the MLC.
In July and September 2017, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) detained the ships Rena and DL Carnation respectively for non-payment of crew wages and other breaches under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC).
AMSA is the governing body which bears responsibility for the regulation and implementation of the MLC in Australia. Its powers are wide and include investigating any complaint alleging a breach of the MLC reported by seafarers or interested parties (eg trade unions).
Where appropriate, AMSA is empowered to impose a ban on offending vessels returning to Australia. Members are reminded to ensure that their vessels’ operations and maintenance comply with the prescribed mechanical and safety standards and that their crew are treated fairly and in accordance with the MLC.
For more information please see the update from Holman Fenwick Willan on its website.