A total of 173 complaints about breaches against the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) were received in 2024, a decrease of 19.16% compared to 2023, according to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Maritime Labour Convention annual report 2024, which offers a detailed overview of MLC complaints and data received about seafarer living and working conditions in Australian waters. The report aims to present findings on key MLC data in Australian waters.

Of these, 109 complaints were lodged directly by seafarers. In 2024, AMSA received 173 complaints representing a 19.16% decrease on the number received in 2023 (214).

The number of complaints has continued to decline from the peak of 320 in 2020, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the rolling 5-year average remains consistent. 

In 2024, 62.4% of complaints received were from seafarers engaged on bulk carriers. This is a 3.5% increase from the 2023 complaints.

The report shows that complaints of the MLC-Conditions of employment continue to make up the majority of MLC complaints received, which covers seafarer employment agreements, wages, hours of work and rest, entitlement to leave, repatriation, and crewing levels.

This is followed by health protection, medical care, welfare, and social security protection, including bullying and harassment.

In 2024, complaints received regarding repatriation, seafarers’ employment agreements and wages have increased in comparison with 2023 figures. Complaints involving wages remain the most reported (29.3%) for all the MLC-Conditions of employment complaints, followed by hours of work and rest (25.1%). 

Meanwhile, there has been a significant decrease in complaints involving entitlement to leave, from 31 in 2023 to 10 in 2024.

Since 2018, a total of 29 vessels have been issued with a direction notice refusing them access to Australian ports. Of these vessels, 14 were banned for serious breaches of the MLC primarily relating to underpayment of wages, decent working and living conditions and inadequate provisions.

Approximately USD$30,392 was recovered in 2024.

In 2024, follow up investigations of MLC complaints resulted in 29 vessels being issued with MLC-related deficiencies, three of which were detained.