A commercial fishing skipper, Reginald Stephens, has been fined $1,500 by the Nelson District Court for failing to notify Maritime NZ of serious injury on board a ship.

Mr Stephens was convicted of failure to comply with the Maritime Transport Act, which makes it an obligation to notify all accidents (sections 31 & 71). He was also ordered to pay court costs of $130.

On 10 January 2021 a crew member had two fingertips severed in a pulley while working aboard the FV Remus. As master of the FV Remus, Mr Stephens had an obligation to report the incident to Maritime NZ, which he failed to do.

Maritime NZ Deputy Compliance Manager South, John Drury, says under maritime law, skippers have a responsibility to report all accidents.

“This case reiterates the importance that skippers notify Maritime NZ of any incidents as soon as possible.”

“Having incidents recorded in a timely way means we have a more accurate understanding of what’s occurred and are aware of common risks and hazards.”

“As a regulator, we use this information to help educate the sector, minimise harm and keep people safe,” he says.