Investigation Launched into Luxury Cruise Ship Amid ‘Horrifying’ Condition Claims

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has initiated an investigation into the Carnival Encounter, a luxury cruise ship, following alarming allegations regarding crew conditions. Claims have surfaced that employees are enduring overcrowded living spaces below deck, with inadequate access to drinking water and low wages.

Alarming Conditions Reported

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) received these claims from a whistleblower employed on the Carnival Encounter, currently docked in Darwin. Investigators from AMSA boarded the ship to review the assertions about worker welfare.

Key Findings from the Investigation

• Workers reportedly earn as little as $2.50 an hour.
• They may work over 10 hours a day for more than 30 consecutive days.
• The only free water provided to crew members is said to be of poor quality.
• Crew members are allegedly forced to live in cramped conditions, increasing the risk of disease.

Shane Reside, MUA Sydney branch organizer, noted that the union has received numerous complaints over the past six months. Complaints include low wages and exploitative working conditions, which have been described as “horrifying.”

Health and Safety Concerns

Reports indicate that crew members are facing serious health issues while still being expected to work. Reside attempted to board the vessel in Sydney in December for a direct investigation but was denied access.

Lack of Access to Safe Drinking Water

The MUA has raised questions regarding the availability of clean drinking water on board. According to Reside, while passengers and officers receive water at no charge, crew members must either consume the subpar water provided or pay for bottled water, costing around 70 cents per bottle. This is a significant expense for those earning such low wages.

Broader Implications for the Crew

The Carnival Encounter is one of three ships operated by Carnival Cruise Line in Australia. The union claims that the company exploits legal loopholes, allowing foreign crew members to be hired without protection under Australian labor laws. Reside expressed concerns that these problematic conditions may be widespread across the entire Carnival fleet.

Union’s Stance on Labor Practices

Andy Burford, NT branch secretary of the MUA, criticized Carnival for bringing in low-cost labor from economically disadvantaged regions while reaping significant profits. He emphasized the consequences of allowing foreign-owned companies to operate in Australian waters without adherence to local laws.

According to an AMSA spokesperson, the authority is committed to investigating claims related to seafarer health and safety, in line with the Maritime Labour Convention and applicable regulations. Action will be taken if any violations are confirmed.

The Carnival Cruise Line has yet to respond to these serious allegations. The situation remains under rigorous scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.