The Captain of a Russian oil tanker was fined a total of £25761.99 at Hull Magistrates Court on 14 June, after breaching the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. The prosecution was brought by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Vitaliy Trofimov, Captain of the Russian registered 85m long tanker ‘Tecoil Polaris’ pleaded guilty to non-compliance of safety requirements which placed the vessel – which was going to be loaded with 1,665 tonnes of lubrication oil – at risk. The Captain was fined £1400 and ordered to pay £24361.99 in costs.
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The vessel arrived at Humber Port on the evening of Tuesday 5 June 2018, from Hamina, Finland. Humber Port Authority reported concerns regarding the master and crew’s competency as the vessel berthed at Immingham Docks, Humber.
MCA Inspectors inspected the vessel on 6 June 2018, founding many deficiencies in navigation and safety equipment, along with significant non-compliance with the ISM Code. These included
- Incorrect navigation charts or voyage plan;
- Incorrect stability calculations;
- Navigation equipment not working;
- Defects with lifesaving equipment.
As a result, the vessel was detained and its safety certificate got cancelled. Upon investigation and questioning by the MCA’s Investigation & Enforcement Unit, Captain Trofimov admitted the deficiencies.
UK MCA’s Lead Investigator Mark Flavell mentioned:
This was an extremely serious breach of the ISM Code. In this case, the Captain showed complete disregard for the safety of his vessel and crew operating the vessel. The intention was for this vessel to carry 1,665 tons of oil to Finland, which could have had disastrous human and environmental consequences. We hope that today’s prosecution demonstrates that we will prosecute those who endanger themselves, others and the environment in this way. Our message is clear – there is no room for complacency where safety is concerned.
The vessel will not be released until the fines and costs have been paid.
