#Regulations

AMSA Issues Third Ban in Two Months, Urges Operators Not to Skirt the Law

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a ban on bulk carrier FPMC B Forever, the third in two months, after finding crew underpaid by AUD $15,000 (approximately US$10,800) and being charged for potable water during a 23 May inspection in Newcastle. The vessel is banned from Australian waters until 4 October this year due to breaches of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). AMSA warned operators that financial consequences of bans—including millions in lost revenue and supply chain disruptions—far outweigh short-term gains.