The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a ban on the bulk carrier FPMC B Forever, the third such ban in just two months.

Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation stands accused of underpaying its crew and breaching the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

AMSA boarded the Liberia-flagged vessel last month in the port of Newcastle for a port state control inspection.

Inspectors found the crew had been underpaid and were being charged for potable water, among other deficiencies.

AMSA detained the vessel and issued a ban to Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation, prohibiting the vessel from entering Australian ports or waters until July 28.

“Underpaying seafarers – by any amount – is unlawful and will trigger enforcement action. This action should serve as a clear warning to operators who think they can cut corners at the expense of their crew. The law is clear: if you underpay your crew, the cost will be far higher than the wages you tried to withhold,” said AMSA acting executive director operations, Greg Witherall.