Container ship Vega Auriga banned due to repeated breaches re seafarer welfare and maintenance
AMSA has issued a direction to the container ship Vega Auriga thatprohibits the ship from using or entering any Australian ports due to repeatedbreaches relating to seafarer welfare and maintenance of the ship.
The Vega Auriga has been detained by AMSA on three occasions since 25 July 2013with repeated concerns for the welfare of the crew including improper payment ofwages, inadequate living and working conditions and inadequate maintenanceresulting in an unseaworthy and substandard vessel.
General Manager of AMSA’s Ship Safety Division, Allan Schwartz said vesselsentering Australian ports must ensure they meet minimum international standards.
“Vessels that do not meet such standards, including standards for the welfare andtreatment of crew, pose an increased risk to seafarers, safe operations and themarine environment,” he said.
“Seafarer welfare is just as important as the proper maintenance of ship equipment,and an integral part of safe operations. A failure in either system could lead toserious accidents.”
Australia is a signatory to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and AMSA takes itsresponsibilities for ensuring compliance with all international safety conventionsseriously.
“Seafarers live a tough life under even the best of circumstances, spending manymonths at sea away from family and friends,” said Mr Schwartz.
Those minimum standards are applicable to the 1.4 million seafarers who live andwork on international ships.The direction will remain in place for three months.
Source: AMSA
