Key outcomes from the 18 March 2021 Seacare Authority meeting

The Seacare Authority met via videoconference on 18 March 2021. The key outcomes of the meeting are set out below.

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.

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.

Review of the Seacare Authority’s exemption factors and guidelines

Following consultation in September-November 2020 on its factors of exemption under section 20A of the Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992, the Seacare Authority’s Exemptions Working Group made recommendations to the Seacare Authority on updates to the factors of exemption and exemption guidelines. The Seacare Authority agreed to these changes, which are to commence from 1 July 2021.

Seacare Code of Practice

The Seacare Authority considered recommendations from its Code of Practice Working Group on amendments to the offshore chapter of the Seacare Code of Practice. The Seacare Authority accepted these recommendations and will work to recommend these changes to the Minister for Industrial Relations.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Seacare Authority will be held on 10 June 2021.