On 20 March, a Sydney commercial vessel master was fined $5,000 by AMSA, for breaching a condition on a vessel’s certificate of operation.
When a Transport for New South Wales Maritime Marine Safety Inspector, acting on behalf of AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority), intercepted the vessel near North Bondi in November 2020, the captain claimed the trip was a recreational, not commercial trip, despite towing a barge with commercial construction equipment at the time.
The captain was fined following a successful prosecution on behalf of AMSA by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. The violation of the Certificate of Operation, according to AMSA Manager of Enforcement and Inspector Support David Marsh, 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 – not only does it risk the safety of people, property, and the marine environment, it also tarnishes the reputation of the industry
… said Mr Marsh
