Authority suspends five officers after ship’s grounding

THE National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) has suspended five officers following an investigation into a recent grounding of the mv Balimo Chief.
Authority general manager and chief executive officer Paul Unas said captains, chief engineers, officers and crew members of vessels should perform their duties diligently and competently.
The vessel ran aground at Sipaia village east of Lae 45 minutes after it left Voco Point.
The five suspended officers were the master, chief engineer, chief officer and two others.
The master, chief engineer and chief officer who were all on watch have been suspended for 12 months. The other two officers will serve a six-month suspension.
Unas said senior officers were placed in positions of trust by their employers and should conduct themselves in a professional manner. He said there had been a number of disciplinary issues involving officers and crew of vessels.
Unas said: “Seafaring is one of the oldest professions and many seafarers worked hard to be who they are and are proud of that profession.
“NMSA will not allow few illdisciplined ones to bring disrespect to the profession.” Seafarers, shipping companies, training institutions and the shipping industry have been urged to support the NMSA in promoting professionalism and good work practices.
“Unprofessional conduct of officers and crew on the vessels in the discharge of their duties is a safety risk to others on board, the vessel and the marine environment in the event of an incident,” Unas said.