AMSA inspectors boarded the vessel ‘MV Tomin’ in the Port of Yamba, on Monday June 25, and detained it as they judged that it is unseaworthy. Namely, the inspectors found structural leaks and oily waste in the ship, which led them to detain it.
According to local media, ‘MV Tomin’ was travelling from the Solomon Islands to Australia without carrying the required certification. Reportedly, the ship owners were charged with Navigation Act offences. If found guilty, these offences can lead to a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment or a $126,000 fine or both.
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As AMSA informed, a ship’s size like that of ‘MV Tomin’ is able to carry a large amount of oil and fuel. This requires the safe operation of the ship, as otherwise a significant environmental damage can be caused.
AMSA reminded that all ships must comply to MARPOL during international voyages. Namely, the section 135 of the Commonwealth Navigation Act says that an owner can take a ship to sea or allow another person to take a ship to sea, if it complies to MARPOL. Otherwise, if the ship does not have the required MARPOL certificates and goes to sea, this will constitute an offence.
