The Seacare Authority met in Canberra on 19 March 2026. 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 June 2026 meeting.
Declarations for coverage
The Seacare Authority considered its powers under section 6(3AB) of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 (OHS (MI) Act), which allow it to declare vessels to are either covered, or not covered, by the Act, so long as certain circumstances are met. The Seacare Authority has published guidelines in respect to these powers, which is available at Declarations of coverage.
In addition, the Seacare Authority’s position on coverage under the Seacare scheme is available at Who is covered.
Exemption of own motion by the Seacare Authority
Following a period of consultation, the Seacare Authority finalised its exemption of own motion for a further 12-month period.
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 Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 (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.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the Seacare Authority will be held on 11 June 2026.