Australian Maritime Safety Authority surveyors will inspect Sea Shepherd Australia’s vessel Sam Simon and interview crew in Williamstown this Friday regarding a number of alleged incidents in the Southern Ocean in February.
_x000D_
Sam Simon is the only Australian-flagged (registered) vessel involved in the reported incidents which included reports of collisions and pollution by vessels and is subject to Australian law.
_x000D_
The investigation will include an inspection of the Sam Simon, examination of available documents and records, and interviews with crew. If sufficient evidence of a breach of the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) is found, AMSA may refer a brief of evidence to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for consideration of prosecution under the Navigation Act 1912.
_x000D_
AMSA surveyors will also assess any available evidence regarding reports that vessels may have spilled diesel into the sea.
_x000D_
Any information collected that is related to foreign-flagged (registered in other countries) vessels will be referred to the relevant maritime authorities of the countries in which the ships are registered. This is in accordance with international law.
