The successful prosecution was the result of an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) investigation into the incident which occurred on 8 July 2011.
The magistrate found that there was sufficient evidence to establish that the Pantanal was the source of the garbage and that the incident involved a breach of the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 (the Act).
Additional restrictions on the discharge of garbage from ships at sea come into effect from 1 July 2013.
The ship’s Master was fined $500 while the owner was fined $5000. Convictions were recorded against both parties.
AMSA is committed to ensuring that the disposal of waste at sea meets the prescribed requirements and will follow up breaches of the Act to the full extent of the law.