Working Conditions Aboard the Seacon-Manila

A tragic event unfolded aboard the bulk carrier 'Seacon Manila' while it was docked at Marsden Point on March 28, 2024. Emergency services were summoned at approximately 8:00 a.m. to attend to a medical emergency involving a crew member. However, by 8:46 a.m., authorities confirmed that the individual had died, prompting a swift response from local police. Upon investigation, authorities noted that there were no suspicious circumstances related to this unfortunate occurrence. The vessel’s agent clarified that the medical incident was completely unrelated to cargo operations. For further details and visuals, visit: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350228874/emergency-services-respond-incident-marsden-point

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) took action on May 26, 2016, detaining the bulk carrier 'African Alke' in Brisbane after serious shortcomings were discovered in the vessel's safety management protocols. The 'African Alke', which had traveled along the Queensland coastline and through the iconic Great Barrier Reef from Malaysia, came under scrutiny during a routine port state control inspection. Inspectors found that the watch-keeping officers onboard were unable to operate the critically important Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). This alarming deficiency highlighted the inadequate training regarding the ship's safety management system, which failed to address the crew's unfamiliarity with the ECDIS technology. In response to this situation, the ship's operators swiftly arranged for an ECDIS specialist to fly in from Singapore to provide essential training to the crew members. The AMSA has stated that it will lift the detention once their standards for crew competency regarding ECDIS are met. As of May 27, 2016, the 'African Alke' remained docked at Fisherman's Island, awaiting resolution of the matter.