Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)


Proposed changes relating to living and working conditions

This consultation closed on 28 July 2024.

We sought feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 11 relating to living and working conditions on Australian regulated vessels.

MO11 gives effect to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) requirements for seafarers working on regulated Australian vessels, including conditions of employment, accommodation, food, and welfare.  

Key dates

Consultation opens: 3 June 2024

Consultation closes: 28 July 2024

Proposed commencement of revised MO11: 23 December 2024 

What changes did we seek feedback on?

The amendments ensure:

  • seafarers are informed of their rights  
  • prompt repatriation of seafarers, including when they are deemed abandoned
  • that seafarers are provided with appropriate social connectivity
  • quality free drinking water and balanced meals are provided on board for seafarers  
  • prompt disembarkation of seafarers in need of immediate medical care and access to medical facilities
  • appropriately sized personal protective equipment for seafarers    
  • all seafarer deaths are investigated, recorded, and reported annually to the ILO to be published in a global register  
  • financial security by accepting the name of the registered owner when it is different from the shipowner.      

These amendments give effect to International Labour Organisation changes to the MLC agreed on 6 June 2022.    

Other proposed changes include clarifying:

  • requirements for non-commercial and fishing vessels.
  • the application of MO11 to vessels between 200-500 gross tonnage.  
Who the changes affect

Seafarers working on Australian Regulated vessels (RAVs)

Seafarers on Foreign Flagged Vessels

Owners and operators of international vessels