Risk Area 2.1: Working conditions and practices – fatalities and serious injuries
Since the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) AMSA has made a significant contribution to improving the living and working conditions of seafarers on vessels. We will continue to apply a zero-tolerance approach to breaches that compromise seafarer safety and welfare. We will continue to do our part to ensure seafarers on vessels visiting Australian ports are being afforded the requirements under the MLC1, including responding to, and encouraging, MLC-related complaints.
There were 72 serious injuries and one fatality (working aloft) reported in 2023. Safe working conditions and associated practices remain an issue on board vessels visiting Australia. AMSA will focus on Health and safety protection and accident prevention (Title 4) of the MLC.
Actions
AMSA will participate in the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign on conditions of employment from 1 September to 30 November 2024.
Additionally, AMSA will conduct safety education focusing on work health and safety conditions and practices specifically during maintenance activities on board vessels.
| Steps | Activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Conditions of Employment (MLC) Concentrated Inspection Campaign | Inspection | Quarter 1 and 2 |
| Publish Safety Bulletin on work health and safety (MLC) during maintenance activities on ships | Educational Information | Quarter 3 |
Footnotes
1 MLC complaint follow up is done either through an onboard inspection and/or via the flag State. AMSA will also continue to promote the use of the on-board complaints process.