Ukranian Seafarer Pleads Guilty to Covering Up Illegal Waste Disposal

On September 5, 2008, Ukranian seafarer Vadym Tumakov pled guilty to two counts of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Between May and October 2007, Tumakov served as Chief Engineer of the M/T Nautilus, a commercial vessel owned by Cyprus-based Iceport Shipping Company, Ltd. and operated by Spanish-based Consultores de Navegacion S.A. While serving on the M/T Nautilus, Tumakov was responsible for engine room operations, including the proper disposal of oil contaminated waste. Federal law requires such waste to be disposed of using a proper disposal facility while at port or with use of an Oily Water Separator onboard.  A federal investigation revealed Tumakov authorized the discharge of contaminated waste water directly into the ocean. Tumakov then failed to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book recording the discharge. Sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2008, and Tumakov faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine.