Chemical tanker detained off Qld coast

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has detained a chemical tanker off the Queensland coast due to alleged labour breaches.

AMSA officials are investigating claims of several serious breaches of the international maritime labour convention made by the crew of the Tintomara - which is flying the Liberian flag - and checking on the welfare of seafarers.

The 182 metre-long tanker has been anchored off the northern tip of South Trees Island, near Gladstone, for the past number of days.

An AMSA spokesperson confirmed they had detained the vessel for inspection and investigations.

"There's a number of allegations which we are looking at," the spokesperson told AAP.

The Gladstone Observer has reported members of the 26-person crew had complained of a bullying culture, non-payment of overtime, long working hours and crew members losing weight due to the lack of food.

The Observer said the crew was made up of sailors from the Philippines, India and Bangladesh.