Sir, When I heard that Greek authorities had arrested the captain, chief officer and bosun of the Coral Sea in July last year, after finding drugs in the cargo hold, I was very worried. I was afraid that this would mark the beginning of difficult times for masters.
Then on 17 July this year a Greek court shocked the world by sentencing the Coral Sea’s captain Kristo Laptalo to 14 years in prison; he has to pay a fine of €200,000 because he is the captain (Fairplay, 18 July 2008).
In August 2007, Venezuelan authorities found drugs attached to the hull of the B Atlantic close to the rudder (Fairplay, 3 January 2008). The captain and second mate were held on board the ship, although the authorities had no evidence against them. The same happened in May 2008 in Panama when drugs were found 3m below the waterline attached to the bottom of the Therese.
We at sea hope that those ashore are not expecting the captain to dive under the ship’s bottom to look for narcotics before departure.
It is true that is in our interest to conduct such an anti-narcotics search, particularly in ports which are well-known for drug trafficking. But the crew is not qualified for such a job, doesn’t have the appropriate equipment and dogs and cannot check every single compartment on the ship or every single piece of cargo.
We already have a significant problem in attracting young people into the maritime profession because of the difficulties of life at sea, criminalisation and pollution.
Now, with the jailing the captain and crew for drug smuggling even without any evidence, the maritime sector will have a big problem.
You don’t need a crystal ball to see that unfair and unprofessional treatment of seafarers over many years will lead to more loss of life and damage to the environment.
Those ashore, should understand that those at sea need professional and fair support. Such support is in everybody’s interest.
Source: Fairplay 15.09.2008.
By: dr.sc. Ivica Tijardović
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