Key outcomes from the 26 November 2020 Seacare Authority meeting (News)

The Seacare Authority met via video conference on 26 November 2020. The key outcomes of the meeting are set out in this news item.

Strategic risk management

The Seacare Authority considers its strategic risk register at each of its regular meetings, with a particular focus on the risk that the scheme may become unviable.

Members considered progress against actions taken to ensure the continued viability of the scheme and noted the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 across the maritime industry.  Members also discussed the risks that such events pose to the Seacare Authority and its operations and agreed to amendments to the risk register to both better reflect the risks and the corresponding mitigation strategies.

Consultation on the Seacare Authority’s exemption guidelines

Having received submissions on the proposed amendments to exemption factors under Section 20A of the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992, the Exemptions Working group will now consider these submissions. Recommendations arising from this will be tabled at the March 2021 Seacare Authority meeting for decision.

Seacare Authority Scheme data report

The Seacare Authority endorsed its scheme data report for 2019-20, subject to final amendments. The Scheme Data Report will be published via the Seacare Authority website during December 2020.

Impacts of COVID-19 and Mental health resources

Members noted the ongoing impact that the COVID-19 pandemic was having on the maritime industry, and the importance of being mindful of the effect this was having on mental health both now and into the future. The Seacare Authority’s Mental Health Resource Centre provides ready access to resources for seafarers, their colleagues and employers.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has also published resources on the AMSA website relating to COVID-19 and the maritime industry.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Seacare Authority will be held on 18 March 2021.