A commercial fishing skipper has been fined $1500 for failing to notify Maritime NZ of serious injury on board a ship.

Reginald Stephens was convicted of failure to comply with the Maritime Transport Act, which makes it an obligation to notify all accidents (sections 31 & 71).

He was also ordered to pay court costs of $130.

On January 10, 2021, a crew member had two fingertips severed in a pulley while working aboard the FV Remus.

As master of the FV Remus, Stephens had an obligation to report the incident to Maritime NZ, which he failed to do, says a statement from Martime New Zealand.

Maritime NZ deputy compliance manager south, John Drury, says under maritime law, skippers have a responsibility to report all accidents.

'This case reiterates the importance that skippers notify Maritime NZ of any incidents as soon as possible.

'Having incidents recorded in a timely way means we have a more accurate understanding of what's occurred and are aware of common risks and hazards.

'As a regulator, we use this information to help educate the sector, minimise harm and keep people safe.”

Further court action is proceeding against others involved.