Other help available for the maritime industry

We (the Fair Work Ombudsman) can provide advice and assistance on workplace laws.

There are industry bodies, unions and agencies that can also help.

On this page:

Help from us (the Fair Work Ombudsman)

We’re Australia’s national workplace regulator.

We provide a range of resources to assist employers and employees understand their rights and obligations under national workplace laws. We can also investigate allegations of non-compliance with these laws.

Asking for our help

If you have a question about workplace rights and obligations in the maritime industry, you can:

Learn more about how to contact us and about our many self-service tools.

Need language help?

If you need language help, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50.

Tell them which language you speak and give them our phone number, 13 13 94. They will call us for you and interpret your question.

For more information, visit TIS National.

Deaf, hard of hearing or speech difficulty

If you are deaf, or have hearing or speech difficulties, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. Select your preferred access option and give our phone number, 13 13 94.

For more information, visit About the National Relay Service.

Help from a union

There are unions that can help their members in the maritime industry with workplace issues. Their help can include representation, dispute resolution and legal advice.

Maritime Union of Australia

The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) is an Australian trade union representing members in the maritime industry. The MUA provides a range of services including advice on workplace relations matters. For more information, visit Maritime Union of Australia.

Australian Maritime Officers Union

The Australian Maritime Officers Union represents all professional, administrative, supervisory and technical employees in the maritime and stevedoring industries and in Port and Marine Authorities. It provides a range of employment services to members. For more information, go to Australian Maritime Officers Union.

Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers

The Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers is a trade union that represents the industrial interests of marine engineers and electricians on ships and other vessels operating in Australian waters. For more information, see Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers.

Help from a workers’ federation

There are other organisations that provide information to workers.

International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) represents and promotes the interests of transport workers around the world. For more information:

Help from an industry association

Industry associations are organisations that represent the interests of businesses and employers in a particular industry or sector. They can often provide workplace guidance and legal advice.

Maritime Industry Australia Ltd

Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL) represents companies involved in the Australian maritime sector, including employers of Australian and International labour. MIAL provides a range of services to members, such as advice and representation in workplace relations and government regulation matters. For more information, visit Maritime Industry Australia.

Help from another government agency

There are also other government agencies that can help with maritime issues.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is a government agency providing safety and environment protection services to the Australian maritime industry. To learn more, go to Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is responsible for the regulation of coastal shipping in Australia. One of the responsibilities of the department is to issue licences under the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 that authorise ships to carry passengers or cargo between ports in Australia. For information about the application, granting and regulation of licences, go to Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts – Coastal trading.

Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority

The Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority oversees a national scheme of occupational health and safety (OHS) and workers’ compensation arrangements for defined seafarers. It also provides guidance to enable safe and healthy workplaces and assists employers and employees meet their duties and responsibilities. Visit Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority.

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