Australia bans Liberian-flagged tanker for underpaying wages, insufficient food and water onboard

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the Liberian-flagged oil tanker AG Neptune from Australian ports for six months.

AMSA inspected the ship in the Port of Gladstone, in central Queensland, on June 17, 2022, after receiving a complaint regarding the underpayment of seafarers and welfare issues.

During the inspection, AMSA found evidence the employment agreement with 21 seafarers on board the ship had not been met and the crew members were collectively owed approximately AU$123,000.

AMSA found evidence the food and drinking water were not of appropriate quality, quantity, and nutritional value for seafarers. It’s also understood a seafarer was not provided with adequate medical care after being injured onboard.

As a result, AMSA detained the ship for multiple breaches of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and the operator has been directed to pay the outstanding wages and address the deficiencies.

AMSA’s Executive Director of Operations Michael Drake said the seafarers were repeatedly not paid at regular intervals and two crew members had expired Seafarer Employment Agreements.

“Australia has zero tolerance for the underpayment of crew,” Mr Drake said. “This type of behaviour is unethical and in contravention to the MLC.  The international conventions that protect seafarers’ rights are very clear.

“Ships visiting Australian ports are on notice that if we find deliberate underpaying of crew they can expect penalties.”

Mr Drake added that AMSA takes the MLC seriously and actively ensures seafarers’ health and well-being are upheld on all ships in Australia.