The seafarers’ compensation scheme Seacare is to be reviewed, to bring it in line with recent maritime reforms and national work health and safety laws.

The federal scheme has not been reviewed since its launch in 1992 and must be overhauled to ensure it works “effectively and efficiently”, Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten says.

“The current coverage of Seacare is complex, resulting in uncertainties determining which vessels are covered [by it] and which are covered under the various state or territory workers’ compensation and occupational health and safety schemes.”

The review will consider Seacare’s jurisdiction, the scope and necessity of changing legislative inconsistencies, ways to help cut workers’ compensation premium costs and governance arrangements.

A report on the review’s findings is due to the Government on February 22.