MISSED SURVEY ENDS IN COURT APPEARANCE


Following a one day trial in Yate Magistrates Court, the owner/skipper of a passenger vessel, the ‘River Princess II’ was found guilty of one offence under Merchant Shipping safety legislation relating to the qualifications of the skipper.
The vessel is a 1937 built wooden hulled small passenger vessel which operates on the River Avon between Bath and Bristol. 
During spring and early summer of 2009, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Cardiff Marine Office had concerns regarding the operation of the River Princess was operating.  Accordingly on 27th May 2009 two MCA officers travelled to Avon Riverside, near Bitton, where they observed the ‘River Princess II’ returning to its berth. 
The skipper on the day was the owner, Mr Robert Morley. As a result of the visit the vessel was detained.  Investigations also raised concerns about the qualifications of Mr Morley.
Further enquiries showed that Mr Morley did not hold a Boat Masters Licence or any equivalent certification if the vessel had been carrying less than 12 passengers.
During the hearing Mr Morley claimed that he was not carrying more than 12 passengers and held an appropriate qualification. However the MCA was able to show to the satisfaction of the Magistrates that Mr Morley did not hold any appropriate qualification.
Mr Morley, was found guilty to one breach of Merchant Shipping (Inland Waterway and Limited Coastal Operations) (Boatmasters' Qualifications and Hours of Work) Regulations 2006 for sailing as skipper of a passenger vessel without being properly qualified.
He was given a three year conditional discharge.
Captain Andrew Phillips, Enforcement Officer at the MCA said:-
“Mr Morley failed not only as skipper but also as owner of the River Princess to ensure that he held the appropriate qualification to allow him to be in charge of the vessel.”

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