There arent enough pilots in the world
Therearent enough pilots in the world to put one on every bulk carrier using the shipping lanes in the Great Barrier Marine Park according to the Australian Federal Government.
But that hasnt stopped Mayor Brad Carters safety campaign gaining momentum.
Its now official policy of the Australian Local Government Association which represents more than 600 local councils nationwide after delegates voted overwhelmingly to back the Rockhampton Regional Council proposal.
Cr Carter said the associations national general assembly in Canberra didnt need much persuading to throw its weight behind the proposal.
There wasnt much debate because its a common-sense measure aimed at protecting our reef and the coastline, he said.
The resolution adopted by the assembly calls for the Federal Government to expand the coverage of vessel monitoring to cover all bulk carrier shipping lanes, with the Great Barrier Reef a priority. It also calls for a full review of deterrent penalties for captains who do not comply with environmental and maritime laws in relation to bulk carrier activities.
And it asks the government to demand all ships using the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park area have pilots on board.
Cr Carter believes pilots are the only way to guarantee there will be no repeat of the environmental damage caused in April when the Chinese coal carrier Shen Neng 1 ran aground on Douglas Shoal off Yeppoon, hours after leaving Gladstone.
I would hope that the government will take note of what we are seeking, but I am disappointed in my discussions with Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, he said.
Source:shiptalk
