Onboard Whistle-blowers Aid in the Fight Against Ocean Dumping - The Maritime Executive, LLC.

Posted February 13, 2012 -   The Maritime Executive, LLC.

Last month, two companies that owned and operated the MV Aquarosa plead guilty to obstruction of justice and other charges, and were ordered to pay over $1 million in penalties and fines. This occurred after a crew member informed Coast Guard officials of illegal ocean dumping taking place onboard the ship and he now stands to collect up to $925,000 in rewards, although the judge has no yet ruled on his reward.
The New York Times reports that seafaring whistle-blowers, who usually expect financial compensation, are now one of prosecutors’ most used weapons in fighting maritime polluters. A growing number of cases have popped up for the federal government to pursue in port cities across the country.
However, as the cases increase, so do maritime company objections. Most shipping companies feel those seamen who do this are really just undermining maritime environmental law compliance by not reporting violations sooner. On the other hand, environmentalists say without these whistle-blowers, prosecuting these law violations would be almost impossible.

Complete Story at:
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/onboard-whistle-blowers-aid-in-the-fight-against-ocean-dumping