Summary
The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) sets international standards for seafarer living and working conditions. AMSA monitors compliance by responding to complaints from seafarers and carrying out inspections on vessels operating in or visiting Australian waters.
The annual report shares key findings from 2025, including the number and type of complaints received, inspection and compliance activities conducted by AMSA, and key trends in seafarer welfare and working conditions.
In 2025
- AMSA received 169 complaints — a 2.31% decrease from 2024
- 102 complaints were lodged directly by seafarers
- 58.58% of complaints involved bulk carriers
- hours of work and rest was the most common employment related complaint issue
- 1,185 MLC related deficiencies were found during port state control inspections
- 12 vessels were detained for serious breaches of MLC requirements
The report also outlines AMSA’s work to support seafarer welfare through the Australian Seafarers’ Welfare Council. This included work with Port Welfare Committees, a new survey to better understand seafarers’ welfare needs, and collaboration with the Fair Work Ombudsman on seafarer wage compliance.
Read the full report
Get the complete data on complaint type, inspection outcomes and AMSA’s response.