CARNIVAL ENCOUNTER
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Investigation launched into working conditions of crew
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has initiated an investigation into the 'Carnival Encounter' following alarming allegations regarding crew conditions. Claims have surfaced that employees were enduring overcrowded living spaces below deck, with inadequate access to drinking water and low wages. The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) received these claims from a whistleblower employed on the 'Carnival Encounter', after it docked in Darwin on Feb 8, 2026. Investigators from AMSA boarded the ship to review the assertions about worker welfare. Key Findings from the Investigation were: - 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 included low wages and exploitative working conditions. Reports indicated that crew members were 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. 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. The union claims that the Carnival Cruise Line 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. 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. The AMSA was 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 situation remained under rigorous scrutiny as the investigation unfolded.
Cruise ship rescued yacht crew
The 'Pacific Encounter' received adistress call and rescued three stranded sailors on May 4, 2024. The cruise ship departed from Brisbane on May 3 and was off the coast of New Caledonia when the distress call waa issued from a nearby broken yacht. The three sailors, which included two men and one woman, were sailing from Queensland en route to Noumea when their yacht encountered a broken mast and loss of power. The trio was drifting at sea for three days waiting for a passing ship to receive their distress call and provide assistance. The cruise ship answered the distress call and diverted to assist and rescue the three sailors. The sailors boarded the ship and were in good health after receiving onboard medical assistance. The vessel continued the voyage to Noumea.
Repairs and maintenance at Sembawang Shipyard
After a 14-day cruise from Brisbane, the 'Pacific Encounter' arrived at a shipyard in Sembawang Port on Feb 6, 2023, at 4.30 p.m. for a scheduled drydock maintenance of three weeks. The 'Pacific Encounter' will receive a new pair of 142-metre-long Twin Racer slides that extend from a height of 16 metres and the signature P&O Edge Adventure Park with a 55-metre zipline, climbing rock, Cargo Net, Walk the Plank, and Beam Walk. In addition to these upgrades, the vessel will also undergo minor repairs and hotel improvements to other public areas.
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