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Posted by David Sexton
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02 Oct, 2026
CHANGES have been announced to laws affecting seafarers visiting Australian ports.
The notice 2026/02 - Access to shore leave for seafarers supersedes the previous notice 2024/07.
According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, key changes include:
- The possibility of an AMSA port state control (PSC) inspection is not a reason to delay, restrict or deny shore leave;
- If crew members are ashore while AMSA conducts a PSC inspection, this will not, in itself, result in any adverse action being taken against the vessel.
According to AMSA, this marine notice is to remind companies, owners and masters of ships of the requirement under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 for shore leave, which states that, 'seafarers shall be granted shore leave to benefit their health and wellbeing and consistent with the operational requirements of their positions'.
This requirement is implemented in Australian law in the Navigation Act 2012 and Marine Order 11 – Living and working conditions on vessels.
“Companies are responsible for seafarer health, safety and wellbeing. Shore leave and access to shore-based welfare facilities are key to seafarer physical and mental health and reduce the risk of fatigue,” AMSA stated.
“AMSA expects that companies strongly consider the benefits to seafarer wellbeing and recovery when assessing the risks of allowing shore leave. AMSA reminds companies that the decision to grant shore leave should not be based on financial implications.”
According to AMSA, if a company is advised shore leave is not possible by a shoreside authority in Australia, this information should be provided to AMSA to investigate.
“While it is recognised that there are risks with communicable diseases that cannot be eliminated entirely, there are suitable and acceptable controls that can be put in place to allow seafarers to access shore leave safely,” AMSA stated.
According to AMSA, masters and operators should not use port state control (PSC) inspections as a reason to delay, restrict or deny shore leave.
AMSA port state control officers may take action when there are “clear grounds to believe the master or officers in charge of ships have not complied with the requirements”, for seafarers to access shore leave.
Mission to Seafarers regional director for Australia and Papua New Guinea, Sue Dight, said everyone involved with Seafarers welfare welcomed the AMSA Marine Notice “as positive reinforcement of seafarers’ existing entitlement to shore leave”.
“It is clarification that a possible port State control inspection must not be used to delay or deny shore leave gives masters and operators clear guidance,” Ms Dight said.
“As a member of the Australian Seafarers Welfare Council, Mission to Seafarers Australia has long advocated for better access to shore leave and welfare services.
“This notice provides welcome support for that sustained effort.”
Ms Dight said with October marking Mental Health Month, the timing was particularly relevant.
“Time ashore offers opportunities to rest, connect with others and seek support.
“These connections matter for mental wellbeing, while shore leave and access to welfare facilities help reduce fatigue, a clear safety issue,” Ms Dight said.
“At Mission to Seafarers, a lift to a centre, a conversation or a warm welcome can make a real difference. We encourage all agents and ship operators to provide Masters with information to make shore leave accessible, and we will be there when we can.”
MUA assistant secretary Jamie Newlyn said the plight of seafarers stranded because of the war with Iran and in recent years with COVID lockdowns had put "enormous pressure and strain on international seafarers".
"The union welcomes the AMSA announcement that signifies the importance of shore leave for seafarers," Mr Newlyn said.
