Things you need to know about Maritime
New Zealand's response to the stricken ship on Astrolabe Reef in Tauranga Harbour
Who is currently in charge of salvage?
Svitzer has been appointed as salvor.
Can MNZ take control of the situation?
Yes, we have the powers to do so. At
this stage, the Director of MNZ has issued instructions to the owner.
What is MNZ doing to take control of the
situation?
MNZ Director Catherine Taylor has
issued the ship's owner, agent, master and any salvage operator with a notice
under section 248 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994. She considers that Rena
is a hazardous ship, and she has instructed those responsible for the ship to
ensure that MNZ is kept informed of all salvage operations.
Why hasn't this been done before?
This has been signed off today. The
Director felt it was necessary to take these steps. This does not put MNZ in
charge of the salvage but we have the ability to take control if we deem it
necessary.
What is a S248 and what powers does it
provide?
A Section 248 notice provides that, if
the Director considers a ship is a hazardous ship, the Director can issue
instructions or take other actions, in order to avoid, reduce or remedy
pollution or a significant risk of pollution. The Director has issued 2
separate notices today.
The Director's instructions include:
- comply with the directions of the National On Scene Commander
(NOSC) by doing anything or refraining from doing anything that the NOSC
considers necessary or appropriate to control or clean up the marine
pollution or oil spill or both, and permit the NOSC to carry out such
inspections as he considers appropriate of the ship Rena for the purposes
of determining what steps may be necessary or appropriate to control or
clean up the marine pollution or oil spill or both.
- establish direct timely and regular communication with MNZ.
- provide MNZ with all relevant information relating to the intended
salvage of the ship before any salvage operation is undertaken, and
provide regular updates while the salvage is being undertaken.
What happens if the situation
deteriorates?
If the conditions deteriorate, we have
the ability to take control of the vessel and the salvage operation.
Who is liable for any damage caused as a
result of the vessel?
The vessel owners and their insurers
are liable for the costs, subject to some limitations that are set out in
international conventions.
Source: Bay
of Plenty
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