Ferry master convicted

A former Interislander ferry master was yesterday convicted and discharged after accepting responsibility for a near collision with a chemical tanker in Wellington Harbour last year.

David James Curd - a 65-year-old from Wellington who retired after the April 4 incident - had pleaded guilty to a charge of breaching maritime regulations by not following collision prevention measures.

Wellington District Court Judge John Walker said "being charged and bought to court with extensive publicity must underline the seriousness of the charge. Conviction is enough".