The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned bulk carrier Rena, owned by Greek owner Trojan Maritime, from Australian ports for six months after the ship repeatedly failed to pay outstanding wages and maintain a safe workplace for its crew.
, owned by Greek owner Trojan Maritime, from Australian ports for six months after the ship repeatedly failed to pay outstanding wages and maintain a safe workplace for its crew.AMSA received a complaint from the International Transport Workers Federation on June 30, alleging the crew had not been paid their total wages for several months and conducted an inspection when the ship arrived at Hay Point in Queensland on July 6.
The inspection has found a number of series deficiencies onboard the ship including failure of the emergency generator to start; failure of the life boat starting arrangements; short comings in the safety management system (ISM); and failure to pay crew their wages of about $53,000 in total.
The vessel remained detained at Hay Point for 29 days until AMSA and the vessel’s flag state received evidence that the crew had been paid their outstanding wages on August 3.
“The failure of the ship operator to ensure that the ship is effectively managed along with the repeated failures of the ISM Code and Maritime Labour Convention, is a clear indication the ship is not being operated to meet applicable minimum standards. The length of time taken to rectify the outstanding issues, particularly in relation to crew welfare, is completely unacceptable,” said Allan Schwartz, AMSA’s general manger of operations.
The ban will be lifted on February 3, 2018. If the ship returns to Australia after the ban expires and is detained again by AMSA for serious deficiencies, it may be subject to a further ban of 12 months.
