Australia’s temporary Antarctic vessel foreign-crewed, MUA calls for govt intervention

THE MARITIME Union has called on the federal government to intervene and ensure vessels on voyages for the Australian Antarctic Division are Australian-crewed, pointing out that the Bermuda-flagged MPV Everest is sailing with a foreign crew.

MPV Everest is the temporary replacement for the AAD’s old vessel, Aurora Australis, while its newly built vessel, RSV Nuyina, completes sea trials in the North Sea.

AAD general manager for operations and safety Charlton Clark told DCN RSV Nuyina will be Australian-flagged and Australian-crewed after it arrives in Hobart.

Crewing decisions for MPV Everest are made by its Luxembourg-based operator, Maritime Construction Services; AAD last month wrote to the MUA saying it “has always been and continues to be supportive of the engagement of Australian seafarers to work onboard the MPV Everest”.

MUA branch secretary Jason Campbell said the use of foreign seafarers without Antarctic experience, instead of highly experienced Australians including those who previously worked on the Aurora, continues to pose a significant threat to safety and the environment.

“It is not too late for the federal government to intervene, ensuring skilled local seafarers are on board for subsequent voyages of the MPV Everest,” he said.

“The first voyage to the Casey research station was not without incident, with a small fire breaking out during the vessel’s return journey to Hobart. Right now, there are seafarers in Tasmania with all the requisite training and experience ready to join the MPV Everest. All that is needed is for the federal government to tell MCS that they must use a local crew to undertake this critical work in Antarctica.”

AAD’s Mr Clark told DCN RSV Nuyina is expected to arrive in Hobart in 2021.

“RSV Nuyina will be an Australian-flagged and Australian-crewed vessel. RSV Nuyina is funded for more days at sea each year – which means more employment opportunities for Australian seafarers,” he said. “A number of Australian seafarers, previously employed by P&O Maritime to work on Aurora Australis, are now being engaged by Serco to work on RSV Nuyina.”