The Federal Government has passed new laws aimed at protecting the safety of sailors operating commercial vessels in Australian waters.

 

Australia will be the 19th country which has ratified the laws to comply with a Maritime Labour Convention set by the International Labour Organization.

 

Australia’s adoption of these laws means more than half the world’s shipping is now covered.

 

The Convention sets standards for:

  • minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
  • conditions of employment
  • accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
  • health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection
  • compliance and enforcement.

 

“The implementation of the MLC in Australia will not result in significant changes for seafarers on Australian ships because they are already provided with good working conditions,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese said.

 

“But these new laws will help to ensure that good working conditions are maintained on Australian ships and that the seafarers working on all other ships that enter Australian ports have the same conditions.”

 

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority will also be able to board foreign ships to ensure compliance with the new laws.