AMSA Bans Cargo Vessel Over “Poor Performance”

THE AUSTRALIAN Maritime Safety Authority has reportedly banned the Netherlands-flagged general cargo vessel named the Flevogracht for 90 days.

The AMSA detained the ship, when the engine of its rescue boat was found to be defective.

AMSA mentioned that it had earlier issued the company with two warning letters, highlighting the major concerns regarding the seaworthiness of their ships.

The most recent incident is part of a pattern of unacceptable performance from the operator, that poses risks to the integrity of the vessel, the safety of the crew members, as well as the marine environment, AMSA mentioned in a statement.

The safety authority has reportedly said that it had detained five vessels of the company in the last two years.

Three of the detentions are reportedly related to crucial failures to implement the safety of navigation procedures. All three detentions have taken place in the waters of Queensland, around the Great Barrier Reef, AMSA mentioned.

On February 16, the Master of cargo vessel, was reportedly fined ($6,000 for breaching the compulsory pilotage laws after the vessel illegally got into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with no marine pilot, AMSA added.

That company vessels are going on being detained is evidence of ongoing as well as repeated lack of concern for safety and environmental protection, Michael Drake, AMSA’s Executive, the Director of Operations, mentioned.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the great natural wonders in the world. And there’s an obligation to make sure that ships that enter its waters safely do so while complying with the law.

Ship operators must be on notice that AMSA is not going to hesitate to take action when unacceptable practices are found on vessels.

Reference: Offshore Energy, DCN

AMSA Bans Cargo Vessel Over “Poor Performance” appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News