Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992

2. Weekly payments during incapacity (inability to work):

• First 45 weeks: full gap between normal wages and what the worker can earn in any suitable job
• After 45 weeks: 75–100% of normal wages depending on how many hours the worker can manage
• These payments stop at pension age, or are capped at 52 weeks if the worker was already close to pension age when injured

3. Lump sum for permanent injury — If a seafarer suffers lasting physical or mental damage, they may receive up to ~$100,778 depending on the severity (assessed using an official guide). They can also receive additional compensation for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.

4. Death benefits — If a seafarer dies from a work injury, their dependants (spouse, children, parents etc. who relied on them financially) receive up to $412,000. Children receive an additional ~$113/week until they finish full-time education or turn 25.

5. Funeral costs — Up to $3,500.

6. Household and care services — If injured, the employer may pay for someone to help with cleaning, cooking, gardening, or personal care. For ordinary injuries, this is capped at ~$252/week; for "catastrophic injuries" (very severe harm), payments are uncapped and based on what is reasonable.

7. Rehabilitation — Employers must assess injured workers within 28 days and arrange approved rehabilitation programs to help them return to work.

Key protections for workers

• Compensation is paid on top of any other entitlements (e.g., you can receive medical expenses AND weekly payments)
• If your employer goes bankrupt or shuts down, a special Fund steps in to pay your compensation
• Being drunk or on non-prescribed drugs is treated as serious misconduct and can affect your claim
• Deliberately self-inflicted injuries are not covered

Who enforces this?

A dedicated body called the Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority oversees the scheme. Disputes can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Dollar amounts are regularly adjusted

Key payment amounts are indexed annually to keep pace with inflation (using the Consumer Price Index) or wage growth (using the Wage Price Index).