Australia Arrests Captain of Pilotless Bulker

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) have arrested the captain of the bulk carrier China Steel Developer for failing to take on a pilot prior to navigating the Great Barrier Reef.

It was alleged in court that on January 1, the 66-year-old Taiwanese ship’s master attempted to depart Australian waters through Hydrographers Passage, a compulsory pilotage area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, without a pilot on board.

On February 14, AFP officers and investigators from GBRMPA met the 154,191 dwt China Steel Developer soon after it docked in the Port of Newcastle.

”For certain sections of the Great Barrier Reef and for particular types of vessels, the use of pilots is mandatory because they greatly enhance protection of animals, habitats and sensitive areas of the Marine Park, including coral reefs,” GBRMPA General Manager Andrew Skeat said.

The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic (REEFVTS) in Townsville detected the Taiwanese-flag ship in the compulsory pilotage area and took action to stop the ship travelling further.

The 1998-built China Steel Developer returned to the pilot boarding area before leaving Australian waters via Hydrographers Passage, with a pilot onboard.

The matter was heard in the Newcastle local court today (February 16) and will be back in court tomorrow for sentencing. The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of AUD 85,000 (USD 66,000).