AMSA - Media Statement. 2 June 2026

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) takes seafarers’ welfare seriously. All vessels operating in Australian waters must comply with applicable international maritime safety and labour standards.
 
AMSA regulates and enforces the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in Australia through the Navigation Act 2012 and associated delegated legislation and has zero tolerance for MLC breaches. Where minimum standards for seafarers’ living and working conditions are not met, AMSA takes swift action, including banning vessels and their operators from Australian ports. This can result in significant financial losses for operators, in some cases amounting to millions of dollars through lost revenue, supply chain disruption and increased scrutiny in future inspections.
 
On 30 June 2026, AMSA met with representatives from the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) in Canberra, where the MUA submitted a formal complaint to AMSA against Carnival Cruises. The complaint alleges Carnival Cruises is not meeting its crew's right to collective bargaining under the MLC.
 
AMSA is reviewing the complaint and will advise the MUA of the outcome once its assessment is complete.

Source: AMSA