Incredulous Decisions lose Respect for Maritime NZ & NZ Justice System

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - May 2, 2014 - PRLog -- Quickcat  & Doctor Hook Accident Report covers a serious collision with loss of life investigated by the same Ian Howden of MNZ who investigated the incident Seaway v Classique

Quickcat was a fast ferry  enroute from Waiheke & Doctor Hook was  a fishing charter boat which failed to see the ferry approaching until too late – it was run into seriously injuring the skipper & 6 passengers – 1 dying in hospital from injuries.

Visibility was good with variable winds.

Both vessels failed to keep a proper look out.

Maritime Rules involved – Rule 22.5   Look-out.

Rule 22.6    Safe speed

Rule 22.7    Risk of collision

Rule 22.13  Overtaking

Rule 22.17  Action by stand-on vessel

MTA 1994, sec65   Dangerous use

Health & Safety in employment Act 1992

Conclusions – both failed to keep a proper look-out

Quickcat being the overtaking vessel, failed to keep clear of Doctor Hook who failed to take action when the actions of Quickcat alone were insufficient.

Both were prosecuted on charges under MTA 1994 sec 65.

Quickcat pleaded Guilty, Dr Hook was found Not Guilty.

Fullers who owned Quickcat were severely censured for not minimizing visual impairments obstructing the helmsman .

This case with serious damage, injury & death compares with the irrational prosecution of a “No damage, No injury” incident, artificially created  by M Pigneguy, resulting in Bolton's criminal conviction & the most punitive fine, in MNZ history for such an incident, of $4000 plus $1356 costs. See more at www.maritimenz.com