The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has taken swift action to protect seafarer welfare, detaining Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Bright and banning it from Australian ports for six months after nonpayment of crew wages.
This week, AMSA received a complaint that seafarers onboard the vessel Ocean Bright had not been paid for two months, prompting investigation when the vessel docked in Newcastle.
The investigation found that eight crew members were owed $46,334 USD in unpaid wages.
AMSA also detected several other issues during the inspection and identified 18 deficiencies, including 4 detainable deficiencies. When the deficiencies had been rectified, the vessel was directed to not enter Australian waters until 4 September 2026.
Under the Maritime Labour Convention, vessel owners must meet minimum standards for living and working conditions for seafarers, including the timely payment of wages, safe accommodation, adequate rest and access to support.
Greg Witherall, AMSA Acting Executive Director Operations, said the enforcement action reinforces AMSA’s commitment to ensuring seafarers are treated fairly and have access to their rights under the Maritime Labour Convention.
“Seafarers keep global trade moving, and they have a right to be paid for their work in line with the Maritime Labor Convention and to be treated with respect.
“AMSA will always act decisively when seafarer welfare is confirmed at risk. This detention of Ocean Bright is an example of actively enforcing the Maritime Labour Convention where the rules are clearly in breach and standing up for seafarers’ rights.”
AMSA implements the Maritime Labour Convention through the Navigation Act 2012 and associated delegated legislation such as Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels).
AMSA inspects vessels, develops seafarer welfare guidance and programs, and process complaints under the Maritime Labour Convention, this includes workers onboard cruise ships.
The Maritime Labour Convention sets clear minimum standards for seafarers’ living and working conditions and we will continue to enforce these standards to ensure seafarers in Australian waters are treated fairly and safely.