TWO ships detained by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority more than a month ago remain detained as their operator, Aswan Shipping, has yet to rectify serious deficiencies on the vessels.

AMSA inspected the bulkers Maryam and Movers 3 on 19 February and 4 March, respectively. In the course of those inspections, AMSA found deplorable living conditions onboard and serious deficiencies, including breaches of the Maritime Labour Convention.

Both ships remain at the Australian ports where they were detained: Maryam in Port Kembla and Movers 3 in Weipa.

Movers 3 at anchor in Weipa

An AMSA spokesperson said Movers 3’s classification society, on behalf of the flag state of Panama undertook an inspection focusing on crew welfare on 5 April.

“Several inconsistences mostly relating to the write-up of crew contracts and documentation of work and rest hours, were identified and the flag state is working with the operator to resolve these issues,” the spokesperson said.

“We are supporting the flag state and are pleased to see their engagement in resolving these issues. Our inspector also attended the ship at the same time.”

The spokesperson said arrangements had been made for a qualified crew member, the ship’s steward, to step into the role of cook, after the ship’s original cook was repatriated after requesting to be sent home.

AMSA said a second crew member has requested repatriation for personal reasons, and this is being facilitated. The crew member is not part of the ship’s minimum manning requirements, so there is no requirement for a replacement.

“Crew have been provided access to mental health support services via video and telephone link,”

“AMSA is waiting for confirmation on when the ship’s classification society is expected to conduct the required surveys.”

Maryam at Port Kembla

AMSA inspected the vessel on 19 February and identified dozens of deficiencies, including issues with the ship’s engines and defective generators. As a result, there was no electricity or air conditioning on the ship.

AMSA deemed the ship unseaworthy and the conditions on board were in breach of the Maritime Labour Convention.

Presently, the flag state is working with the operator to resolve nine out of 36 deficiencies.

The AMSA spokesperson said the classification society attended the ship in Port Kembla on Monday 12 April and assessed the repair work on the ship’s engines, with testing ongoing.

“The classification society also conducted an inspection focused on crew welfare, on behalf of the flag state,” the AMSA spokesperson said.

“[the inspection] identified a number of inconsistencies with regards to crew contracts similar to those identified on the sister ship, Movers 3.”

The spokesperson said there were no issues with food and living conditions on board at present.