Key outcomes from the 27 November 2025 Seacare Authority meeting
12 January 2026
The Seacare Authority met in Melbourne on 27 November 2025 and welcomed Darren Kavenagh as the new Chairperson. The key outcomes of the meeting are set out in this news item.
Seafarers Safety Net Fund (Fund) – Status and levy rate
The Seacare Authority considered the financial status of the Fund. The Seacare Authority agreed that no change would be made to the levy rate at this time.
The levy rate will next be considered at the Seacare Authority’s March 2026 meeting.
Seacare Authority Exemption application form
The Seacare Authority reviewed its Exemptions Application form and agreed for updates to be made to the document. The updated Exemption Application form will be available on the website in due course.
Exemption of own motion by the Seacare Authority
The Seacare Authority agreed to renew its exemption of own motion for a further 12-month period, subject to a period of consultation with industry and employers. This exemption is a multiple vessel exemption that applies to employment on a large number of ships. The multiple vessel exemption applies to the Seafarers Act. It does not apply to the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 (OHS (MI) Act). Further information on this exemption is available at Exemption from coverage | Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority (Seacare Authority).
Chairperson acknowledgement
The Seacare Authority acknowledged Barry Sherriff, the former Seacare Authority Chairperson, for his dedication to the role, noting that over the decade he served Chairperson he demonstrated unwavering dedication and collaborative leadership, and significantly supported the Seacare Authority’s work and strategic direction.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the Seacare Authority will be held 12 March 2026.