Conclusion

2021 continued to be a challenging year for seafarers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic remains an ongoing health crisis with focus now diverted to ensure seafarers worldwide are fully vaccinated. The total number of MLC complaints received in 2021 represents a 12.5 per cent decrease from those received in 2020, as the industry and operators gradually adjusted to the pandemic, but it remains high in comparison to pre-COVID times.

Sufficient time has now passed for operators to adjust to the COVID-19 world and develop new plans for seafarer repatriation and crew changes with AMSA reverting back to enforcing maximum period on board as per Marine Notice 17/2016 Maximum period of shipboard service for seafarers.

Every year AMSA undertakes a range of planned and responsive activities to keep people safe and to protect the marine environment which is outlined in the National Compliance Plan. As part of the 2022-2023 National Compliance Plan, AMSA will continue to do our part to ensure seafarers on vessels visiting Australian ports are being afforded the requirements under the MLC.

Australia will continue to play a leading role in ensuring seafarer welfare and that seafarers on vessels visiting our ports continue to be treated with the dignity they deserve.