THE Daily Echo is to be applauded for its article “Faker sailor is fined” (Daily Echo, April 20).
Likewise is the Southampton-based Maritime and Coastguard Agency is to be congratulated for obtaining the prosecution of a foreign seaman who committed fraud when attempting to gain a British seafaring qualification.
The public, particularly those travelling by sea, should be made aware that there are those from abroad that will attempt to bypass our rigid maritime regulations. It does happen!
In July 1999 I had occasion to instigate the investigation of a second officer on board the P&O ferry European Highway at Dover. The Maritime & Coastguard Agency investigation looked at both the validity of the man’s qualifications and his very identity. His claim to hold a British first class master’s foreign going certificate entitled him to command any passenger ship worldwide. It is a sad fact that this imposter had at the time actually been engaged by a British shipping company!
STEPHEN NEW, maritime historian, Ashurst.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here