Australia Bans Wooyang Venus for 90 Days Over Falsified Crew Records

Inspection Uncovers Falsified Rest Records

On October 29, 2026, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) inspected the Marshall Islands-flagged dry bulk carrier Wooyang Venus while it was docked in Newcastle. AMSA said in a November 3, 2026 media release that it detained the vessel and banned it from Australian ports for 90 days after finding that crew work and rest records had been falsified.

A complaint under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 prompted the inspection. AMSA said inspectors found that the records concealed extreme working hours and did not reflect the hours crew members had worked.

Why Accurate Records Matter

AMSA said accurate records show whether crews receive the minimum rest required and whether operators manage seafarer fatigue. In a November 3, 2026 press release, AMSA Executive Director Greg Witherall said fatigue impairs judgement and alertness, creating particular risks during navigation and watchkeeping. He called the deliberate tampering of records intended to protect seafarers a significant safety risk for crew members.

AMSA lists crewing and fatigue management as a priority area in its National Compliance Plan for 2026-27.

A Repeat Case

This is the vessel’s third detention in Australia in less than three years. AMSA detained Wooyang Venus in August 2026 after finding that crew work and rest hours were not being correctly recorded and monitored. It also detained the ship in December 2023 after identifying evidence of incorrect work and rest records. According to gCaptain, the December 2023 inspection followed a complaint from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and also found poor-quality food provisions.

AMSA issued the 90-day ban under section 246 of the Navigation Act 2012. The ban bars Wooyang Venus from Australian ports. AMSA cited the deliberate falsification of records, the recurrence of materially similar deficiencies and concerns about the owner’s and operator’s safety management arrangements. The vessel left Newcastle on October 31.

Part of a Wider Enforcement Pattern

AMSA’s official data shows that the authority issued three earlier bans in 2026, all linked to wage underpayment. Australia has imposed longer bans in past cases. In 2023, Australia banned the bulker MSXT Emily for a year over wage theft and mistreatment of seafarers.