Tokai Kisen subject of Japan’s first-ever ship suspension order
Between January and June this year, the ministry conducted an extraordinary inspection of the company and found 13 cases of violations of the law.
Japan's transport ministry has issued an unprecedented order suspending certain vessels belonging to Tokai Kisen following a series of serious law violations. This marks the first-ever ship suspension order under the marine transportation law. Between January and June of this year, the ministry carried out an extensive inspection of the company, uncovering 13 instances of legal breaches.
In August, the ministry levied administrative penalties, including the dismissal of officials responsible for safety and ship operation management.
On New Year's Day, it was discovered that crew members of two large passenger ships, including their captains, consumed alcohol onboard and proceeded to duty without undergoing alcohol testing. This behavior of drinking on New Year's Day has become an established custom within the company, believed to have originated at least 30 years ago. The ministry also found Tokai Kisen's internal inspection system to be ineffective.
In April, a crew member of a jet ship was found to have falsified an alcohol test result. Following these revelations, the transport minister, Tatsunori Ibayashi, made a strong plea to Tokai Kisen on Friday. In a news conference, Ibayashi emphasized the importance of the company taking full responsibility for its actions and working diligently to prevent any future recurrence.
He stressed the need for a determined effort to renew the company's corporate culture. As part of the penalty, Tokai Kisen has been ordered to suspend one large passenger ship and two jet ships for a period of 20 days, starting from October 9.
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