Investigators from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) boarded the cruise ship Carnival Encounter while the vessel was alongside in Darwin Harbour on Monday morning, February 9th, 2026. The boarding followed reports submitted to the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) by a crew member who requested anonymity, prompting the regulator to examine conditions on board under its mandate to enforce compliance with international standards for seafarer welfare and safety.
Union representatives conveyed that the reports to AMSA included allegations of overcrowded accommodation below decks, a high incidence of skin infections, concerns about the quality of drinking water provided to crew members, and instances where seafarers continued to work despite serious illness. They also highlighted claims that employees were remunerated at rates as low as a few dollars per hour and that the employment arrangements placed foreign nationals outside the scope of Australian labour law despite the vessel’s operations in Australian waters.
CCL-Carnival Cruise Line issued a response following the inspection stating that AMSA found no deficiencies during its examination of Carnival Encounter and that the company would continue to cooperate with the regulator. The operator noted that such inspections are routinely conducted to ensure adherence to international crew welfare requirements and emphasised its respect for the oversight process and its personnel. Carnival also characterised the campaign by the union as part of its broader objectives rather than solely an operational concern.
The engagement by AMSA represents regulatory action in line with its responsibilities under the Maritime Labour Convention and related legislation to assess complaints and take follow‑up measures if breaches of required standards are identified. Such investigations occur within frameworks designed to uphold safety, health and working conditions for seafarers on all vessels operating in Australian ports.