20Offence—discharge of sewage from vessel—the Act, s 53(3)

20 Offence—discharge of sewage from vessel—the Act, s 53(3)

20 Offence—discharge of sewage from vessel—the Act, s 53(3)

(1) The following persons are each guilty of an offence if untreated sewage is discharged from a vessel into State waters—

(a) the person who discharged the sewage,

(b) the owner of the vessel,

(c) the master of the vessel.

Maximum penalty—$11,000.

(2) Untreated sewage may be discharged—

(a) into a waste collection facility, or

(b) in accordance with an environment protection licence.

(3) It is a defence to prosecution for an offence under subsection (1)(b) and (c) if the defendant shows all reasonable precautions were taken to prevent the discharge.