Sydney charter boat operator banned from operating two vessels
by Penny Robins 18 Jun 2018 22:50 PDT
19 June 2018
Incomplete fist aid kit © Roads and Maritime Service
A targeted charter vessel compliance operation carried out late on Friday at Woolloomooloo Wharf has resulted in the grounding of two luxury charter boats.
Roads and Maritime Services Executive Director Maritime Angus Mitchell said a team of marine inspectors and surveyors, with support from NSW Water Police, boarded two charter vessels both owned by the same operator, about 4pm on Friday 15 June.
"The officers were responding to credible information received about potential safety breaches relating to the charter boats which are available for hire and use on Sydney Harbour," Mr Mitchell said.
"As a result of this targeted compliance operation, these two boats will be remaining firmly tied to their berths and will not be available for charter until a series of breaches of safety legislation are rectified and verified by a marine surveyor.
"One of the vessels quite shockingly had not maintained its survey requirements and did not have a 'competent crewman'. This person did not know the location of lifejackets or other safety equipment on board.
"Some of the issues being investigated are non-compliant fire extinguishers, deficient first aid kit as well as potential non-compliance with sewage holding requirements.
"The two vessels were issued a 'direction' preventing them from operating after a number of potential breaches relating to safety equipment including first aid kit deficiencies, life rafts and serviceable fire extinguishers were identified.
"Additionally investigations are continuing into sewage handling breaches which meant the potential for discharge of raw sewerage directly into Sydney Harbour.
"This means the vessels cannot be operated until the breaches have been rectified and paperwork lodged, and confirmed by a marine surveyor.
Penalties will not be known until all the evidence has been properly assessed. However, if marine pollution breaches are confirmed, the minimum fine alone for this breach would be $5000.
Mr Mitchell said there are about 12,000 domestic commercial vessels in NSW, with about 220 of the class of vessels inspected on Friday night. About 140 of these operate on Sydney Harbour.
"Roads and Maritime Services maritime inspectors and surveyors take a risk-based approach and carry out regular inspections of high risk vessels, including targeted compliance of specific vessels as required, particularly after credible information is received by the agency," he said.
"We want all operators, including commercial and recreational, to ensure their vessels comply with strict safety standards which are in place to protect persons, property and the environment.
"The bottom line is, if your vessel doesn't comply and presents a significant risk, you will not be permitted to operate on NSW waterways."