AMSA Bans Vessels for MLC Discrepancies
It has been reported that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has in the last three months banned two ships from trading to Australian ports for periods between 6 and 12 months owing to serious and repeated breaches of MLC requirements.
AMSA is required to investigate all instances where a complaint regarding a potential breach of the MLC requirements is made by any person with a direct interest in the living and working conditions on a ship.
These cases highlight that the consequences for ship operators of not complying with MLC requirements may be severe, in particular for those with multiple breaches of the MLC.
More information on AMSA’s refusal to enter Australian waters policy can be found here.
Ship operators are therefore urged to ensure that the MLC requirements are met to avoid detentions or potential trading restrictions.
The above MLC cases can be found on the AMSA website here.