(1)

If a responsible person has knowledge of an immediately reportable matter, then the person must report it to a nominated official as soon as is reasonably practicable and by the means prescribed by the regulations.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.

(2)

Subsection (1) does not apply if the person believes, on reasonable grounds, that another responsible person has already reported the matter to a nominated official.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .

(3)

Subsection (1) does not apply if:

(a)

the person has already reported the matter under the Navigation Act 1912 or the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 ; or

(b)

the person believes, on reasonable grounds, that another responsible person has already reported the matter under either of those Acts.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3). See subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .