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Post by ferryfast admin on Feb 21, 2006 10:49:49 GMT -5
Maritime NZ www.radionz.co.nz/
Posted at 1:26pm on 20 Feb 2006
Maritime New Zealand has reminded professional seafarers they must adhere to rules and regulations to prevent collisions at sea.
The comments follow the prosecution of a former Cook Strait ferry skipper over a breach of maritime regulations in April last year.
David Curd, a former master of the Aratere, had been accused of failing to give way to another vessel which was carrying chemicals.
He pleaded guilty to the charge, and was convicted and discharged by Wellington District Court this morning.
During his trial prosecutors alleged he had put people at risk and his conduct was unprofessional.
However, his lawyer asked the court for a discharge without conviction saying the incident was a genuine mistake.
Judge John Walker rejected the defence's request and instead convicted and discharged the accused.
Maritime New Zealand is calling the incident a serious breach of good seamanship, and says masters have a responsibility for the lives of people on board their ships.
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