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Posted by Dale Crisp
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12 March, 2026
THE AUSTRALIAN Maritime Safety Authority has banned another vessel from Australian waters for six months, after discovering crew members had not been paid their correct wages.
The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Bright was first detained after the authority received a complaint that seafarers onboard had not been paid for two months, prompting investigation when the vessel docked in Newcastle.
The investigation found that eight crew members were owed USD$46,334 in unpaid wages.
AMSA also detected several other issues during the inspection and identified 18 deficiencies, including four detainable deficiencies. When the deficiencies had been rectified, the vessel was directed to not enter Australian waters until 4 September 2026.
According to Equasis, the 2006-built, 75,621 DWT Ocean Bright is registered to Ocean Wings Pearl Ltd, c/o Mascot Ocean Ltd of Xiamen, China, who are also the ship managers. Until November last year the ship traded as Yasa Team for Turkish owners. It has been trading to Australia since January this year and is currently en route from Newcastle to Zhuhai.
Under the Maritime Labour Convention, vessel owners must meet minimum standards for living and working conditions for seafarers, including the timely payment of wages, safe accommodation, adequate rest and access to support, AMSA reminds.
Greg Witherall, AMSA acting executive director operations, said the enforcement action reinforces AMSA’s commitment to ensuring seafarers are treated fairly and have access to their rights under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
“Seafarers keep global trade moving, and they have a right to be paid for their work in line with the Maritime Labor Convention and to be treated with respect,” Mr Witherall said.
“AMSA will always act decisively when seafarer welfare is confirmed at risk. This detention of Ocean Bright is an example of actively enforcing the MLC where the rules are clearly in breach and standing up for seafarers’ rights.”
AMSA implements the MLC through the Navigation Act 2012 and associated delegated legislation such as Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels).
AMSA said it inspects vessels, develops seafarer welfare guidance and programs, and process complaints under the MLC; this includes workers onboard cruise ships. The statement comes amid a separate dispute between the Maritime Union of Australia and Carnival Cruise Line over alleged conditions aboard Australia-based vessels
