Shipowners are being warned to comply with the Maritime Labour 2006 Convention (MLC) after the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) issued a banning order on two bulkers.
The ban is being taken as a sign the country tightening up policing of foreign-flag ships after a recent investigation.
As reported by TradeWinds' online edition, the Panama-flag 82,000-dwt DL Carnation (built 2014) was banned for 12 months for failing to pay crew the correct wages.
Amsa also banned the Bahamas-flag, 81,700-dwt bulker Rena (built 2011) for six months for repeatedly failing to pay outstanding wages.
In both cases, the International Transport Workers’ Federation alerted Amsa to the failings.
The North P&I Club has used the cases to warn its members of the risks of failing to comply.
“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,” it said. “Ship operators are therefore urged to ensure that the MLC requirements are met.”
TradeWinds earlier reported how an Australian Senate committee recommended tighter policing with an emphasis on monitoring crew pay and welfare.
The committee is recommending that the country’s Fair Work Ombudsman be allowed to conduct an investigation into wages on flag of convenience vessels “to verify the wages paid onboard accord with Australian legal requirements".
Amsa general manager of operations Allan Schwartz said: “Shipping companies should be aware that Amsa has the power to ban entire fleets if we uncover systemic issues within an operation and will not hesitate to do so where deliberate non-compliance is uncovered.”
