Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:C2025C00094:section:140
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:C2025C00094
Segment Type: section
Provision Reference: s 140
Character Range: 137677–138592

140  Operating a vessel so as to pollute or damage the Australian marine environment
 (1) The master of a vessel must not operate the vessel in a manner that causes:
 (a) pollution to the marine environment in the coastal sea of Australia or the exclusive economic zone of Australia; or
 (b) damage to the marine environment in the coastal sea of Australia or the exclusive economic zone of Australia.

Fault‑based offence
 (2) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes subsection (1).
Penalty: 600 penalty units.
 (3) Recklessness or negligence is the fault element for:
 (a) the manner of operation of the vessel; and
 (b) the result mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) occurring.

Civil penalty
 (4) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).
Civil penalty:
 (a) for an aggravated contravention—6,000 penalty units; or
 (b) in any other case—600 penalty units.