Incat, MEC Start Building Great Barrier Reef Patrol Vessel
Incat Crowther and Marine Engineering Consultants (MEC) announced commencement on the construction of a 24-meter long-range Catamaran Patrol Vessel to work in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). The GBRWHA is jointly managed by Queensland’s Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (DNPRSR) and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). Incat Crowther submitted a concept design to competitive tender, characterized by its consideration for its operational environment and by the application of several new technologies.
Australia Arrests Ship's Master
Australian Federal Police (AFP) agents have arrested a ships Master in Gladstone following allegations that he had operated a ship in a protected zone within the Great Barrier Reef. On April 12, 2004, a private vessel operator allegedly saw the ship in the protected zone and reported it to Gladstone Vessel Traffic Service. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) was alerted to the sighting and they in turn advised the AFP. About 2:00 pm on April 14, federal agents and GBRMPA officers boarded the 17,000 ton bulk alumina carrier when it berthed at Gladstone. Federal agents will allege the ship was operated in the Capricorn Bunker Group area between Fitzroy Reef and Lamont Reef on or about 12 April 2004. The particular area of ocean is zoned General Use 'B'.
Australian Maritime Safety Officials Named
Chairman of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Mr Edward (Ted) Anson AM, welcomed the Government’s announcement yesterday of new appointments for the AMSA Board. The Acting Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Senator Ian Campbell, had announced the appointment of Captain John Paine as Deputy Chairman. “Captain Paine has had a long and distinguished career in the Australian maritime industry, both as a senior executive and a ship’s master. He brings to this position a high degree of business acumen as well as solid practical experience in ship operations that will continue to be of immense value to the AMSA Board,’’ Mr Anson said. Captain Paine replaces the outgoing Deputy Chair Mrs. Sarina Bratton, who has served with distinction on the AMSA board since 1996.
Australian Federal Police Charge Ships Master
Federal Agents last night charged the master of a Greek registered vessel with entering a prohibited area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This is the first instance of a person being prosecuted under this environmental legislation since it came into effect on July 19, 2001. The AFP, assisted by GBRMPA and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service offices, commenced an investigation into the allegations surrounding the vessel's movements on 9 January. The 70000 tonne bulk coal carrier is alleged to have travelled through an area of the GBRMP from which it was excluded. The 45 year old ship's master appeared in the Gladstone Magistrate' court earlier today to face charges under section 38M(2) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act.
