The Australian Maritime Safety Authority will soon be empowered to inspect all ships at Australian ports to ensure they comply with safety requirements
May 6, 2011
Australia is one step closer to becoming a signatory to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) following the signing of an accord yesterday in Cairns.
Once
a signatory, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority will be empowered to inspect all ships at Australian ports to ensure they comply with the requirements of the convention.
In addition Australian ships at foreign ports in countries that are signatories to the MLC will be subject to inspections.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese signed the accord with representatives from the International Labour Organisation and the International Maritime Organisation, in front of delegates from across the Asia Pacific region.
“The accord encourages all countries in this region to work together towards the ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, which is often referred to as ‘seafarers’ bill of rights’,” Minister Albanese says.
“There are 1.2 million seafarers in the world and their work is often hard, dangerous and out of sight of the general public.
“The convention sets minimum standards for their employment, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, health care, welfare and social security protection.”
The convention will come into force 12 months from the date it secures the signature of 30 nations.
Australia is already substantially compliant to the convention.
Albanese says once the Navigation Amendment Bill has been considered by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties and introduced to Parliament this winter sitting, Australia will be ready to participate fully as a signatory.
“The Bill provides for the issuing of declarations of maritime labour compliance and maritime labour certificates,” he says.
“Once the Convention is in force, all ships over 500GT on international voyages will be required to carry the certificates.”
“Last year was the International Year of the Seafarer and I can think of no better tribute to those who spend their working lives aboard ships than the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention.”