Investigation Launched After Bunker Sample Bottles Found at Beach Clean Up

AMSA launched an investigation after two bunker sample bottles were discovered during a beach clean up in October.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) launched an investigation after two bunker sample bottles were discovered during a beach clean up at Australia's in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park in October, Maritime Executive reports.

A further two bottles are reported to have been found in the same region the following week.

The four bottles are noted to have been intact, full of fuel oil, and labelled with the vessel name, date and names of crew members. 

Using the information provided by the bottles, AMSA was able to track the vessel, Panama-flagged bulk carrier Gloria Island to Thevenard, South Australia, where the authority boarded the vessel and questioned the vessel's master, chief engineer, and crew.

Interviews with the master, chief engineer, and crews failed to provide an explanation for how the sample bottles made their way overboard, and after the vessel's bunker sampling processes were reviewed, AMSA concluded that there was insufficient evidence to detain the vessel.

It is noted that that AMSA could issue an improvement notice under the Navigation Act 2012 to the vessel, encouraging the improvement of the vessel's onboard Safety Management System, through a review of bunker sampling procedures.

"Preventing the illegal discharge of waste from vessels is a key focus for AMSA in protecting the marine environment. AMSA's formal relationship with Tangaroa Blue means that we are able to act quickly when evidence of this kind is collected by volunteers," said Brad Groves, AMSA General Manager of Standards.

"In this case the improvement notice that was issued will highlight to the vessel's owners that proper procedures must be followed to prevent pollution or they risk substantial penalties for future non-compliance."