Flags of convenience prove inconvenient to stranded cruise ships

Cruise ships assembled off the NSW coast in an unprecedented standoff with authorities could be forced to declare that they are in distress in an effort to disembark crew on board, a leading maritime law expert says.

Professor Stephens said:"Masters [or captains of cruise ships] have an overriding duty of care to passengers and crew on board, and will naturally be seeking to look after their best interests." Professor Stephens said that because these vessels may be running low on supplies, including food and medical provisions, they may not have the capacity to care for individuals on board, particularly the sick. Another option could be for the ships to attempt to enter port.

"If vessels enter port without permission then there could be contravention of Australian law, however there may be a good defence if the vessel is in distress," he said. A cruise industry source said the Federal Government should be mindful of the fact that, in negotiating with other governments to secure the repatriation of Australian cruise ship passengers, that it is not be seen to be flouting maritime law.

Cruise ships tend to base themselves in unofficial home ports where they are normally welcomed for the economic benefits they bring to cities and towns.

Just a thought, but maybe they could start paying taxes in some of the countries they seek assistance from?

we should help them, they have right to be treated. do not be cold blooded. it is time to stand firm for human rights.

I like how this so called intnl maritime expert says they can claim to be in distress so that they can allow crew to disembark.which other countries in the world are allowing this?Oh and where does it say you must obey intnl law even though you can b endangering ur citizens

These tax havens who allow ships to be registered under their name should take these ships. They want all the benefits, but none of the responsibility when it comes to ships that fall under their jurisdictions.

So they identify as foreign vessels for tax reasons but want the Australian taxpayer to pay for their problems?

Why are the cruise operators so fking silent on this matter? It’s their responsibility. Stump up the cash if they want help.

Turn parliament house into a quarantine centre. Maybe as well be used for something useful.

The whole stinking industry should be demolished.

All go to Xmas island

Its not just cruise ships are the problem. The US Navy has a big problem in hands with infections. Recently the Pentagon was ordered not to release any statistics on cases and casualties. Military vessels living conditions are a lot more cramped than holiday cruise ships.

Get rid of them before they come in bigger numbers!

Drain their fuel, tow them to a area that could do with a reef and sink them. They can become living memorials to those who die of this virus. Cruising is now over.

No way they can move on

What a debacle, when are we going to be free of the Ruby Princess?

Cruise ship companies need to bear the costs of this nightmare. They've avoided taxes in many countries and should now be stepping up to help. Covid_19 CovidCruiseShips

Can't they send them to Christmas Island for quarantine like they did with other overseas arrivals ? coronavirusaus

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NSW Police orders cruise ships to leave state waters | Sky News AustraliaNSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has ordered six cruise ships anchored off the state coast to return to their port of origin as he fears allowing them into Australian ports would facilitate another spike in coronavirus cases. \n\nThere are currently nine ships in NSW or international waters near the state with only three registered to NSW addresses. \n\nThe police commissioner said they would continue to provide humanitarian care where necessary as well as food and fuel but appealed to Foreign Minister Peter Dutton to order the ships to return to their ports of origin. \n\nImage: Getty Are there Australians on board? So where does he get his authority from to order anything like this?
Source: SkyNewsAust - 🏆 7. / 78 Read more »

'NSW is not a safe haven for every cruise ship': Police Commissioner orders vessels to leaveSix cruise ships off the coast of NSW have been ordered to leave Australian waters amid the coronavirus pandemic but NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has accused them of lingering and delaying departure. I'm not sure I like this. There's an ethical obligation to assist a ship in distress. If we can safely help, we should. If we don't assist, who will? If not here, where? One day it could be one of our ships needing help... We can't just abandon them The nsw and vic govt have refused to even wait and see the impact of social distancing. They are rushing to lock is in by law making us Police states. The Nsw govt made the mistake of letting ruby princess and other cruises in. We Pay the price with our job and freedom. Horrible!
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »

Fears nine cruise ships to ‘flood system’Nine cruise ships floating off the NSW coast could flood the state’s hospitals with coronavirus patients, NSW Police have warned. sendthemhome along with the backpackers that GladysB is protecting whilst allowing them to spread coronavirus whenever and to whomever they want to. tourists timetogo plaguetimes notaholiday Why not send them back to their own ports Stand firm in this and don't let them dock
Source: newscomauHQ - 🏆 9. / 77 Read more »

Humanitarian call to repatriate Ruby Princess cruise ship crewPolice are urging foreign cruise ships floating off the NSW coast to immediately sail home rather than risk flooding the state's hospitals with coronavirus patients. 9News Don't threaten them ,unless there is Aussie on board get the Navy involved and escort them out of Australian waters and send the cruise company a bill. Grow some balls and turn the boat around we have already filled our hospitals with the infected passengers and now there’s going to be so many more infected thats been in contact with the passengers that were just allowed to walk straight of the boat.Start buying ventilators. Urging them? Secure our borders and grow some already.
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Desperation as hundreds of cruise passengers remain strandedWhile most cruise passengers have been repatriated, hundreds are still adrift with no prospect of returning home to Australia. HatAlexander jennynoise Cry me a river. HatAlexander jennynoise I am not sure keeping them near Antarctica helps HatAlexander jennynoise Should have thought of that before you fked off suffer
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Relief as 'cruise of a lifetime' ends with 14 days' isolation on quarantine islandThe first West Australians to be placed in quarantine on Rottnest arrive to commence two weeks of isolation on the holiday island after disembarking a cruise ship in Fremantle. Yeah enjoy the most expensive place in WA for free!!!! Now take the ship out to sea and scuttle it If I was them, I would be so grateful. Peace. Quiet. Australian soil. Lucky to be home. Welcome to WA.
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