Australia bars containership for repeated seafarer welfare violations

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has detained the Liberia-flagged vessel three times since July 2013. The detentions were for improper payment of wages, inadequate living and working conditions and inadequate maintenance.

As a result of the violations the Vega Auriga has been barred from entering all Australian ports for three months. The vessel is reported to have a Filipino crew.

“Vessels that do not meet such standards, including standards for the welfare and treatment of crew, pose an increased risk to seafarers, safe operations and the marine environment,” said Allan Schwartz, general manager of AMSA’s ship safety division.

“Seafarer welfare is just as important as the proper maintenance of ship equipment, and an integral part of safe operations. A failure in either system could lead to serious accidents.”

AMSA noted Australia was signatory to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and took its compliance responsibilities seriously. The MLC entered into force on 20 August 2013 and has been termed the seafarer’s bill of rights.

The vessel is now reported to be headed to the New Zealand port of Tauranga.