Australia: from 1 November, the paper Maritime Crew visa form needs written permissionFrom 1 November 2026, crew who cannot apply online for Australia's Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988) may use the paper form only with written permission from the Department of Home Affairs. Online applications stay the same.
Australia: a possible port State control inspection is no reason to deny shore leaveThe Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has told masters and operators not to delay or deny shore leave because a port State control inspection might happen. Crew being ashore during an inspection will not, in itself, count against the ship.