The master of a Russian oil tanker has paid a fine of GBP25,762 for breaches of safety regulations in the UK, to avoid seizure of the vessel.
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) had inspected the Russian-flagged Tecoil Polaris in Hull, England last June and found a catalogue of deficiencies in navigation and safety equipment, and significant non-compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) code. The vessel was detained and its safety certificate cancelled, and a magistrates’ court subsequently fined the tanker’s master GBP1,400 plus GBP24,362 in costs for breaching the ISM code.
Although the fines were due to be paid within 56 days, they had not been by February, when a further court hearing was scheduled. However, the master paid all fines and costs in full on the afternoon before the hearing, avoiding potential seizure of the vessel in settlement of the debt.
The MCA commented: “This sends out a clear message: if you don’t pay your fines and costs, we will come after you and we will – if we have to – use the law to seize your vessel or other assets to cover it.”
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