AMSA urges operators to comply with MLC or face bans
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) warns operators to comply with their obligations, after imposing its third ban in under two months due to labor violations on a vessel.
During an inspection on 23 April 2026 at the Port of Newcastle, officials found that a Liberia-flagged vessel had underpaid its crew by nearly AUD $15,000 and unlawfully charged them for basic necessities like drinking water, which are breaches of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
AMSA detained the vessel and banned it from entering Australian ports and waters until 4 October 2026.
Underpaying seafarers – by any amount – is unlawful and will trigger enforcement action. This action should serve as a clear warning to operators who think they can cut corners at the expense of their crew
… said Acting Executive Director Operations Greg Witherall, adding “the law is clear: if you underpay your crew, the cost will be far higher than the wages you tried to withhold. Don’t risk it – do the right thing by your crew and meet your obligations under the MLC. This includes timely payment of wages, safe accommodation, adequate rest and access to support, and not unlawfully charging crews for services they’re entitled to receive”
AMSA emphasized that violations can lead to major financial and operational consequences, including lost revenue, supply chain disruption, and increased scrutiny in future inspections.
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