Ferry captain suspended pending investigations

Mark Cushcieri

Sep 27th 2009, 17:27

you are right mr.falzon..its amazing how these people in charge are never mentioned and tucked away from scrutiny...I was referring to the person who is firing mr abela the captain..the management chairman or whoever is hiding behind the company's name..thanks for correcting me.

G Falzon

Sep 27th 2009, 13:05

@Mark Abela
Mr Abela, you are brilliantly confusing the whole pot! "Senior Master" and "Captain" here refer to one and the same person, namely Mr Mario Grech :-)

Claris Galea

Sep 27th 2009, 08:40

It is a shame that this Captain has been suspended. The fact that he is punished , because he put our safety first , should lead to the suspension of the whole board of directors and a serious investigation by a clean panel of judges .
The Minister should stand up and be counted .
If an accident should happen on a ship , it is the Captain who has to answer for any errors on the ship.
Many people do not realize that the Captain will be loosing money , since he will only be paid , the basic salary , during his suspension. He would need to take the matter in court , years after , to get back his lost allowances and any social security contributions.The court case could take more than a lifetime , with the way our courts move , especially when a government entity is involved.
Will the person who signed the suspension pay for these losses??

Mark Cushcieri

Sep 27th 2009, 02:45

it is you who should resign mr. 'senior master' whoever you are...and not the captain...the captain did his duty as a captain, which is to protect the people on board his ship and make sure safety regulations are in place...prosit captain Mario Grech the people are with you all the way.

J Borg

Sep 27th 2009, 01:18

Capt Grech is a person that calls a spade a spade.
It is shame that a person that tries to improve things is kicked out.

Leave the management of an enterprise to the Public Sector and you get mis management. This is a proven theory...
No measurement = No accountability = No results

Unless government stops awarding ridiculous wage increases with no measures of accountability and no increases in productivity things will get worse.
All public entities should have their KPIs made public and reviewed publicly on a 6monthly basis.

Joe Fenech

Sep 26th 2009, 17:57

Malta maintains no standards (food transport, work safety, etc) and it takes a hero for things to be exposed!

John Grima

Sep 26th 2009, 13:06

Captain Mario suspended!!!!!!!! What a disgrace!!!!!! Anyone who knows Capt. Mario knows how serious he is in his job!! I believe in the integrity of this man!!! Gozo Channel management please resign for the good of the company!! It was Capt. Mario who did all the tests on new ferry...it was Capt Mario who save our lives on Ta' Pinu when there was a black out on the ferry and we were heading straight into Comino.....and now you throw out one of the best employees of the comany

Joseph Buttigieg Attard

Sep 26th 2009, 11:23

Capt. Grech is a much known person for his integrity, discipline and fairness. His suspension being public on the many shortcomings of the Gozo Channel is unacceptable in any modern Democracy! Whistle Blowers Act is a must and the protection if the whistleblower must be always protected!

Pending Investigations! Let us have a public Investigation and thusd the public judge! An Internal Investigations is worthless and many often is used ' to cover up' all misdoing or misbehaviour.

May I ask, who is to shoulder political responsability for Capt. Grech's unjustified suspension?

Gozo Channel should be ashamed!!!

brian farrugia

Sep 25th 2009, 22:23

If Cpt Grech is correct ....what about the other Captains.....are they a bunch of IDIOTS ?

Joseph E Briffa

Sep 25th 2009, 22:08

If one goes on the Gozo Channel website one finds an organisation chart but there are no names of the holders of the posts...why aren't the persons who currently occupy these posts available on the website? Is it a state secret? Secondly, is it possible for the Gozo Channel to publish the names of the crewmen together with their qualifications and the training courses they have followed? Have the Health Authorities carried out tests on the water tanks of the vessels and if so, what are the results? If not, why? I must assume that Captain Mario Grech is a sane and responsible master - otherwise he would have been relieved off his duties long ago - and that he must have already drawn the attention of the company to his allegations before he resorted to a judicial protest. The fact that he had to resort to this action signifies that either his reports were ignored by the management or that any remedial action by the management was not to the complete satisfaction of Captain Grech. If I read the PR correctly, the GC does not deny the allegations but only implies that they cannot be substantiated.

S. Camilleri

Sep 25th 2009, 21:59

Lets just hope that the investigations are concluded quickly and transparently. I trust that Capt Grech has done his homework well before coming in the open.
If any allegations are found to be substantiated, I'd expect Chairman and board to resign together with whoever else had a say in Capt Grech's suspension. Moreover I would then hope that the MMA itself opens up an investigation to determine if any criminal negligence is apparent.

Gerard Cassar

Sep 25th 2009, 20:32

And the P.N. Government is to introduce the " whistle blower " act! Suspended for revealing the true position. Of course many will turn up to contradict him. Keep watch.

steve ellioitt

Sep 25th 2009, 20:03

@Capt Mario Grech. go work for a company that takes there customers safety a priority first not profit,you done well and many should learn from this. You can sleep well at night knowing you done the right thing. And as they say "there are plenty more ships in the sea" ;-))

D. Buhagiar

Sep 25th 2009, 18:35

That's what happens when you leave a company in a monopoly.
At least some had the guts to talk. Thumbs up for you mate.

Don't worry about the whistle blower act!!! We're in Malta you know what's the outcome already!

Saviour Grech

Sep 25th 2009, 18:02

Wonder of wonders. This is new. You take action against a person who alleges wrong doings. This is turning justice on its head. It is the Gozo Management Board or the members of the management team or who ever is in control of Gozo Channel who should be suspended until a truly independent investigation is carried out. It is only then that action could be taken against the person who cound then be accused of making false allegations. Or is this a way how to make sure that through fear of being likewise suspended nobody will come forward to testify or say the truth. It is a sorry day indeed for justice to try to bludgeon a person who has come forward to put forward in court such strong accusations. Justice should have been left to take its course.

Paul Smith

Sep 25th 2009, 17:55

words fail me -

Unbelievable - this whistle blower gets suspended???? What is going on? I remember when the herald of Free enterprise sank in the English channel due to health and saftey being ignored.

This Guy is a Maltese hero

M.Vassallo

Sep 25th 2009, 17:49

Oh my God! Is this how the Whislteblower Act is going to work in Malta? If what Captain Grech is saying is true, he should be given Gieh ir-Repubblika not suspended! Indeed politics in Malta is not even worthy of Mickey Mouse!

Paul Barrett

Sep 25th 2009, 17:36

If after the Government investigation (which I would expect to be called immediately) it is found that the Management of Gozo Ferries has been lax in the safety rules, the Management should face charges.

Again, if Captain Grech is proved to be right, his employment with Gozo Ferries is now obviously now not feasible as there is a major breakdown of trust between employer and employee. It would be heavenly justice if he should, in this case, be given Government employment overseeing all aspects of safety regarding Gozo Ferries ideally with executive powers to suspend service or prosecute management should they continue to endanger passengers lives.

JOE BARTOLO

Sep 25th 2009, 17:26

Captain Grech suspended! For heavens sake what kind of country are we living in. It seems that nothing changes where the mentality of our politicians are concerned. They seem to think that they are above all of us and we are just there to do their bidding instead of the other way round.
Minister Austin Gatt you seem to always do your best to make yourself and your government become more unpopuar with us.

Joe Morana

Sep 25th 2009, 16:48

I Joe Morana ID 343456M, am morally conviced that Capt. Mario Grech is an honest and responsible person highlighting Gozo Channel's deficiencies which adveresly effect passengers safety and well being unless the contrary is proved by the Company .

Joe Grima

Sep 25th 2009, 15:41

If Austin Gatt is the kind of Minister we all expect him to be in a situation like this, he will first re-instate Captain Grech with immediate effect, for the simple reason that no one in any company should be humiliated with a suspension just for doing his socrosanct duty towards the people he is reponsible for. If the people Captain Grech is repsonsible to take umbrage at his actions then it should be those people, not Captain Grech, who should be suspended or sacked. Austin Gatt should conduct his own immediate investigation and fire on the spot anyone who may have given Captain Grech orders to do what the captain's conscience considered to be something untoward. If this situation escalates, Austin Gatt can rest assured that this incident will be strung with a long and loud series of serious ineptitudes and crass failures which authorities , Corporations and companies under his tutelage have shown themselves to excel in.

Marie Grima

Sep 25th 2009, 15:36

In this blessed country of ours that`s what happens if you open your mouth you will get suspended and blacklisted for life,
A good friend of mine used to work in a condemned building with holes in the ceiling ( ix-xorok tas-saqaf kienuu niezlin) when it rains he had to stay outside for safety when I told him why didn`t he reported it to the authorities he told me "you want me to be without a job for life" so he found another job and left for a safer place.

Tony Gatt

Sep 25th 2009, 15:30

As a retired Master, I would assume Capt. Grech has already made complaints against his company as a matter of routine through its internal complaints procedures (and probably been ignored) so to suspend him is a bit draconian.
@ Galea L. Your last paragraph (continuation) says it all- in the past there have been several Maltese-flagged ships stopped in the U.K. for not complying with SOLAS regs. etc. The Maltese authorities should be ashamed to have ships stopped abroad.

charles zammit

Sep 25th 2009, 15:09

where is the whisle blower act.......it should enforce legal actions against those who took this step against capt grech

Carmel Cacopardo

Sep 25th 2009, 15:09

Mario Grech :

You have my full support.

Unfortunately in the public sector acting correctly is frowned upon. Notwihstanding public utterances to the contrary, mediocrity is still the order of the day.

Acting correctly identifies the shortcomings of those who occupy positions of responsibility not on the basis of competence but on the strength of their allegiances.

We have been through it in the 70s and 80s and are going though it yet again, unfortunately.

Raymond Sammut

Sep 25th 2009, 15:07

Just as Dr Gonzi is lecturing the world at the UN on the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. A Maltese sea captain gets suspended for raising concerns about safety. What can one man do against an entire firm? He had to go all the way to court ... the legal costs, the personal stress, and the uncertain future. Who is conducting these investigations? How fair and objective are these investigations going to be? Is there an independent arbiter here to see what's going on?

Cedric Busuttil

Sep 25th 2009, 15:01

If Capt Grech's claims re safety flaws by Gozo Channel prove to be true ---- will someone have the guts to suspend Gozo Channel operations? Who will take responsibility then?
@ Capt Grech - I believe your colleagues are very proud of you.
Keep it up.
We should have more like you around. Definetly would have a better world with much less disasters.

r micallef

Sep 25th 2009, 14:57

Dear Captain Grech, don't you worry...

You just did the right thing in the interest of all the nation - In any case should an incident take place you would still have been suspended as full reponsability and blame would have lied on your shoulders as surely the management is never accountable - as always

shame on Gozo Channel, MMA and the Government.

dominic vella

Sep 25th 2009, 14:52

Prosit Capt Grech. Forsi l-Gozo Channel tiehu naqra bis-serjeta l-issye tal-health and safety, aktar u aktar issa li gejja x-xitwa. Saqsi l-passigieri li jaqsmu kuljum kemm hemm safety fuq il-vapuri??

r pace bonello

Sep 25th 2009, 14:49

These are very serious allegations, affecting the health and safety of passengers and crew alike. It does appear to me that the Master is an honourable person and did what was expected from a person in his position. However the allegations still have to be proven. If they are, and I would consider them to be criminally irresponsible, then whoever is responsible should be held accountable. Or will he/she?

Victor Laiviera

Sep 25th 2009, 14:30

Shameful bullying and arrogance from the Gozo Channel Board.

We should all be grateful for people like Capt. Grech.

This incident shows why we have an urgent need of a real Whistle-Blower act.

Pity it turned out to be just anothe pre-election promise which went up in smoke.

Ronald Camilleri

Sep 25th 2009, 14:13

Good Luck Mario Grech. You need it. You may also consider emigrating to another country as this one is ruled only by arrogant people. The perfect example of Animal Farm.

Galea. L

Sep 25th 2009, 14:03

(continuation)
(c) that the master, officers and, to the extent appropriate, the crew are fully conversantwith and required to observe the applicable international regulations concerning the safety of life at sea, the prevention of collisions, the prevention, reduction and control of marine pollution, and the maintenance of communications by radio.

5. In aking the measures called for in paragraphs 3 and 4 each State is required to conform to generally accepted international regulations, procedures and practices and to take any steps which may be necessary to secure their observance.

7. A State which has clear grounds to believe that proper jurisdiction and control with respect to a ship have not been exercised may report the facts to the flag State. Upon receiving such a report, the flag State shall investigate the matter and, if appropriate, take any action necessary to remedy the situation...."

Gozo Channel has been warned about its alleged irresponsible behavior with a judicial protest. It appears that it is not observing international laws and regulations. What is the MMA waiting for to examine the report once it knows about it? Is it waiting for another State to report this illegal and embarrassing situation?

Galea. L

Sep 25th 2009, 13:55

Article 94 1982 Law of the Sea Convention.
1. Evert State shall effectively exercise its jurisdiction and control in administrative, technical and social matters over ships flying its flag.....
3. Every State shall take such measures for ships flying its flag as are necessary to ensure safety at sea with regard, inter alia, to:
(a) the construction, equipment and seaworthiness of ships;
(b) the manning of ships, labour conditions and the training of crews, taking into account the applicable international instruments....
4. Such measures shall include those necessary to ensure:
(a) that each ship, before registration and thereafter at appropriate intervals, is surveyed by a qualified surveyor of ships, and has on board such charts, nautical publications and navigational equipment and instruments as are appropriate for the safe navigation of the ship;
(b) that the ship is in the charge of a master and officers who possess appropriate qualifications, in particular in seamanship, navigation,communications and marine engineering, and that the crew is appropriate in qualifications and numbers for the type, size, machinery and equipment of the ship;

A Mercieca

Sep 25th 2009, 13:50

Shame on the Gozo Channel if the allegations are true.

edward vella

Sep 25th 2009, 13:49

When was the last time the health and safety people from the government inspected the ferry?
Is anybody accountable?
Answer - NO

P Spiteri

Sep 25th 2009, 13:23

Likewise as a stakeholder in this issue the board should suspend itself and make way for an independent inquiry, surley it can't act as judge jury and court. Additionally the court should instruct the police to withold the board's access to any documentation pertaining to the case. These are serious accusations and necessitate transparency.

J. Borg

Sep 25th 2009, 13:20

where has the Whistleblower Act got stuck, dear parliament???

J Cilia

Sep 25th 2009, 13:17

Whistleblower Act !!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Neville Cassar

Sep 25th 2009, 13:13

Might is right. Capt M Grech has been suspended and what about the chairman has he been suspended. As ex mariner I believe Capt Grech is a responsible seaman and a good Master mariner and I am sure he took every consideration for the safety which is required on the vessels in question. To Mark Spiteri A doubtful person is a danger to himself and others in such a case he is no good to lead or command.

mark gatt

Sep 25th 2009, 13:09

Is this the kind of protection the whistle-blowers will be getting.....

Joe Grima

Sep 25th 2009, 13:04

If it is true that the Company is investigating Captain Grech's serious allegations, then it is the time to have Captian Grech at hand and within reach of the investigating officers and not to have him suspended., Gozo Channel is a hotbed of intrigue. Captain Grech is certainly included in our total gratitude for his conscientious approach to his responsibilties and for putting our safety as Gozo Channel passengers first. When on earth are we going to have a Gozo channel competitor?
Prosit Captain Grech. Gozo Channel passengers, Maltese and Gozitan. will be hundredpercent behind you.

Maria Pia Meli

Sep 25th 2009, 13:03

So, has Capt. Mario Grech been suspended because he was trying to do his job well? Is this what a responsible, serious and reliable indivdual gets in this sorry excuse for a country? I fully support Capt. Grech. Even if it turns out that there are no safety flaws, it surely is better to be safe than sorry, isn't it? I therefore fail to grasp any decent or reasonable or logical argument that might justify his suspension.

J Micallef

Sep 25th 2009, 13:03

@ marco meli - Competition does not necessarily mean better, cheaper or safer service, especially if the oeprators rage a price war - cost cutting means cost cutting...whatever the cost (hence the numerous airline accidents).

@ G.Micallef - Why? Perhap sfor spilling the beans?

@ Mark Spiteri - true, let's wait for the outcome, but I have a sick feelings that most of it is probably true. Do you remember the old Gozo Channel ferry boats with 20 coats of paint over the life equipment locks?

S Bonnici

Sep 25th 2009, 13:01

To Mark Spiteri: Biss Allegazzjonijiet??? Mhux talli Capt. Grech ghamel dmiru u gibed l-attenzjoni tal-management ghal-dan it-tip ta bacteria, li hi vera serja, talli minflok il-kumpanija hadet azzjoni u rrimedjat ghall-problema, issospendietu!!!

Xi zmien ilu, uzajt il-Gozo Channel, u il-hygiene fit-toilets hi wahda degradanti!!!!

Gozo Channel, ir-reazzjonijiet ghal-eye opener ta' Capt Grech huma sinonimi ghall-sindromu ta' operazzjonijiet monopolistici. Messkom vera tisthu!!! Dan hu agir totalment abbuziv!!!!! Kumpanija ohra messha tkun hawn bhala kompetizzjoni ghal-Gozo Channel, u zgur ma kontx nuza is-servizzi taghkom!!!!!

PULL UP YOUR SOCKS BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!!!

john Baldacchino

Sep 25th 2009, 12:49

This is a very serious situation, Whistle blowers should be respected. I hope Gozo channel must issue a serious statement on these allegations immediately to put our minds at rest.

A.Gatt

Sep 25th 2009, 12:47

So he spoke up because he wanted to protect the people who after all keep Gozo Channel in business and he was suspended instead of commended.
If something had to happen on the ferry, fingers would be pointed and most probably at him so if his allegations are true then it's a good thing he spoke up. Prevention is better than cure.
Looking forward to seeing how this whole thing will be resolved. .

Galea. L

Sep 25th 2009, 12:46

This is a disgraceful decision by the management and those responsible for Gozo Channel and also for endangering the passengers. SHAME and SHAME again on them..
When is the whistleblower Act going to enter into force?

Mark Spiteri
Ma jidhirlekx li l-Kaptan mhux se jaghmel protest gudizzjarju fil-Qorti ghalxejn Mark? Imisshom jisthu dawk li qed jissugraw hajjiet il-passiggieri.

joe vella

Sep 25th 2009, 12:44

if the allegations are incorrect, gozo channel ought to come out with a statement, eg the legionella infestation is a very serious thing, not suspend the captain
gozo channel should immediately publicise results on regular testing (if these are carried out) on the water quality of the vessels
if it wants to prove captain grech wrong that would be a first logical step
if what captain grech states is true, then suspending him is sheer arrogance and the ministry should not allow it
judging by the comments by mr tony abela, this attitude has already been experienced by others

J. Tonna

Sep 25th 2009, 12:39

WHAT ABOUT THE WHISTLEBLOWER'S LAW??

John Debattista

Sep 25th 2009, 12:35

@ A FARRUGIA.
I AGREE WITH YOU 100 Percent, But also the Minister responsable this is VERY Serious accuse. Safety of the People First Please....................................

Mark Spiteri

Sep 25th 2009, 12:31

Dawn huma biss allegazzjonijiet..fejn nafu li vera?

G.Micallef

Sep 25th 2009, 12:30

Why was Capt. M. Grech Suspended? I find no logical reason for this!

J Farrugia

Sep 25th 2009, 12:26

Malta wants a full inquiry into this captain's allegations. Are they true, if yes all the Board and those responsible in the management of Gozo Channel should be kicked out of office and arraigned in court for criminal negligence in endangering their passengers' lives. If not, this captain should be dishonourably dismissed and his licence revoked.

marco meli

Sep 25th 2009, 12:23

disgracefull and shame on the company!!! when will this monopoly come to an end????????