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Posted by David Sexton
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11 March, 2026
CARNIVAL Cruise Line and the Maritime Union are at loggerheads over inspection rights following an apparent incident on Monday at Sydney’s Circular Quay.
The MUA said their representatives were refused entry to the vessel Carnival Adventure in what the union said was an example of “refusing to comply with basic Australian workplace safety laws”.
The MUA claimed SafeWork NSW officers were also denied entry, a point disputed by Carnival which said SafeWork had confirmed its officers attended in a dispute resolution capacity.
MUA assistant national secretary Jamie Newlyn said there were questions about whether Carnival should continue enjoying ministerial exemptions to the Coastal Trading Act.
“Carnival claims vessels like the Carnival Adventure are ‘home ported’ in Australia when it suits their marketing department, but when it comes to obeying Australian laws they suddenly pretend those laws don’t apply,” Mr Newlyn said.
“You can’t have it both ways.”
A Carnival spokesperson said it was wrong to claim SafeWork agents were denied access.
“SafeWork NSW confirmed… their officer was present in a dispute resolution capacity and was not seeking to access the vessel for an inspection,” the spokesperson said.
Earlier, Carnival said the MUA had "no authority to board our ship, bully our crew or violate security protocols that create risks for our guests.
“The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the proper regulator for protecting seafarers’ working and living conditions, and they are always welcome onboard," Carnival stated.
A spokesperson for SafeWork NSW said they received a request for service from the MUA “seeking assistance to resolve a dispute with Carnival Cruises regarding the union’s attempt to exercise a right of entry to the Carnival Adventure”.
“SafeWork NSW inspectors attended on Monday 10 March 2026 to assist in the resolution of the dispute,” the spokesperson said. “SafeWork NSW’s enquiries in this matter are ongoing.”
An AMSA spokesperson said they took “the welfare of crew on board ships seriously”.
“Last month, AMSA investigated claims and complaints of seafarer health and safety issues on board the Carnival Encounter in line with the Maritime Labour Convention, the Navigation Act 2012 and relevant marine orders,” the spokesperson said.
“AMSA has concluded the inspection of the vessel and a report of inspection was provided to the captain. AMSA will not be making further comments about this inspection or the outcomes.”
