‘Deliberately’ faked seafarer rest records see bulker banned from Australia

‘Deliberately’ faked seafarer rest records see bulker banned from Australia
Gary Dixon 4 November 2026 https://www.tradewindsnews.com/bulkers/-deliberately-faked-seafarer-rest...

Officials say vessel was masking excessive work hours for crew members

A South Korean bulker has been banned from Australia after crew work and rest records were “deliberately falsified”.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said seafarers’ excessive work hours were being masked on the Wooyang Shipping-managed 87,000-dwt Wooyang Venus (built 2005).

The ban lasts for 90 days.

The ship was detained following a port state control inspection in Newcastle last month.

A complaint had been made under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC).

AMSA said crewing and fatigue are a key compliance priority.

The Wooyang Venus had previously been detained twice by AMSA, in August this year and December 2023. Incorrect records of hours of work and rest were a contributing factor on those occasions too.

Under the MLC, vessel owners and operators must meet minimum standards for seafarers’ living and working conditions, including requirements relating to hours of work and rest.

Accurate records are essential to demonstrate minimum rest requirements are being met and fatigue is being effectively managed, AMSA noted.

Greg Witherall, executive director of maritime safety and environmental compliance, said deliberately falsifying records designed to protect seafarers is unacceptable and presents a significant safety risk.

“Evidence has shown poor fatigue management can impair judgement, reduce alertness and slow reaction times, increasing the likelihood of errors during navigation, watchkeeping and other critical tasks.”

The consequences can include collisions, groundings and serious injuries, putting lives and the marine environment in danger.

“Operators have clear obligations under the MLC. Where we find serious or repeated failures to meet those obligations, AMSA will take strong action to protect seafarers and the environment and uphold internationally agreed standards,” Witherall pledged.

The Equasis database lists the bulker as having been detained in Gladstone, Queensland, for two days in August with 11 deficiencies.

The only reason for detention, however, was the maintenance of the ship and equipment.

Wooyang Shipping has been contacted for comment.