Australia bars bulker Rena for six months over unpaid wages, safety violations

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the 81,700 dwt, 2011 built bulker from the country’s ports for six months following a near month long detention until the vessel’s flag state received evidence on 3 August that the Rena’s crew had been paid three months outstanding wages.

The vessel was detained after an inspection 6 July in Hay’s Point, a week earlier the Australian authorities had received notification from the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) alleging that the crew had not been paid for several months.

“The emergency generator, lifeboat and safety management system deficiencies presented a clear risk to the health and safety of the crew, the ship and Australia’s marine environment. Failure to pay crew their total wages is a clear and unacceptable breach of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006,” AMSA stated.

The Rena remained under detention for 29 days until the crew’s wages were paid. The vessel was previously detained in Adelaide in February this year for a number of serious deficiencies.

“The failure of the ship operator to ensure that the ship is effectively managed along with the repeated failures of the ISM Code and Maritime Labour Convention, is a clear indication the ship is not being operated to meet applicable minimum standards,” Allan Schwartz, gm of operations for AMSA said.

“The length of time taken to rectify the outstanding issues, particularly in relation to crew welfare, is completely unacceptable.”

The ban on the Rena from Australian waters expires on 3 February 2018 and AMSA warned that if after that date the vessel is again detained it will be banned for 12 months. “Substandard ships are not welcome in Australian waters,” it stated.