Repercussions Of Conviction Of A Port Authority

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nelson, New Zealand
Thursday, 29 January 2004-Focus Media Ltd,

The Repercussions of the MSA's first ever conviction of a Port Authority have begun

The repercussions of the MSA's first ever conviction of a Port Authority have begun with a call from a lead industry figure demanding that the MSA hurry up and ensure that accidents like the 2002 grounding of the bulk carrier "Tai Ping" in Bluff Harbor does not happen again.

Prominent Deep sea skipper and Company Director of Meridian Marine Services Steve Linton has today slammed the MSA stating that they have been far too slow to act to prevent major Port incidents. Mr. Linton said "While I congratulate the MSA on successfully convicting South Port they have seem to be waiting for these types of accidents to happen rather than being proactive". Mr. Linton has said that the MSAs' implementation of a review of Port and Harbor safety nationwide report is far too long in coming. "While it is good to hear from Mr. Kilvington (Director of the Maritime Safety Authority) that his organization is going to put Port safety under the microscope in New Zealand it is vital that contingency planning for safer ports is started immediately or we surely see a tragedy on a much larger scale than recent accidents involving the Capella Voyager in Whangerai or when the "Tai Ping" struck rocks in Bluff Harbor 15 months ago.

As a result of the Maritime Safety Authorities first ever successful conviction of a Port Authority yesterday South Port was fined $7 500 while the Pilot of the Tug Hauroko Captain David Yeowell admitted failing to ensure a vessel was navigated in accordance with MSA regulations and was fined a measly $750 for his role in what could easily been Southlands worst ever ecological disaster.

For more information: www.portfocus.co.nz or Contact: Liam Butler Editor http://www.PortFocus.co.nz Liam@PortFocus.co.nz

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