A Sydney commercial vessel master was convicted earlier this month for breaching a condition on a vessel’s certificate of operation and fined $5,000, after a successful prosecution by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, on behalf of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
A Transport for New South Wales Maritime Marine Safety Inspector, acting on behalf of AMSA, intercepted the vessel near North Bondi in November 2020.
Upon being intercepted by the safety inspector, the captain claimed the trip was a recreational and not a commercial one despite towing a barge with commercial construction equipment at the time.
AMSA Manager of Enforcement and Inspector Support David Marsh said the breach of the Certificate of Operation is a serious matter.
“This breach of a certificate of operation demonstrates exactly the kind of recklessness that commercial vessel operators can’t afford to have,” Mr Marsh said. “Not only does it risk the safety of people, property, and the marine environment, it also tarnishes the reputation of the industry.”
Source – https://www.bairdmaritime.com
