TWO Chinese men charged with offences related to damaging the Great Barrier Reef have been granted bail.
Shen Neng 1 master Wang Jichang , 47, and chief officer-on-watch Wang Xuegang, 44, appeared in the Gladstone Magistrates court at 11am yesterday before Magistrate Damian Carroll.
Commonwealth Crown Prosecutor Clive Porritt did not oppose bail for the defendants, but did ask special conditions for Xuegang be imposed due to the serious nature of the charge.
Mr Carroll read out the charges and these were conveyed to the men via a Chinese interpreter.
Jichang was charged with liability for a vessel which caused damage in the marine park and carries a maximum $55,000 fine for the offence if he is found guilty.
The more serious charge has been levelled at Xuegang, charged with being the person in charge of a vessel which caused damage within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
This carries a three-year maximum jail penalty and a $220,000 fine.
"I don't see it necessary in the circumstances to restrict him to Australia," Mr Carroll said.
Jichang is now allowed to return to his homeland, while his alleged partner-in-crime Xuegang must reside on the Shen Neng 1 until a permanent bail condition is reached at a later stage.
"The prosecution will be seeking a substantial security or bond in the future," Mr Porritt said.
The Shen Neng 1 ran aground on April 3 and was refloated on Monday. Subsequent investigations by divers revealed a 3km scar on the Douglas Shoal coral.
The two men were arrested on Wednesday after a warrant was executed by Australian Federal Police.
Barrister Tony Glynn, instructed by Thynne and Macartney, told the court both men had been lifelong seamen and neither had prior convictions.
Jichang and Xuegang were transported from the Gladstone Police Station by local Mission to Seafarers officers to their destination after court.
The Mission to Seafarers chaplain Trevor Phillips said the organisation was concerned for the welfare of all seafarers.
"We're here to make sure the seafarers get treated fairly and justly," Mr Phillips said.
The matter will be heard at 2pm on June 9. Neither man is required to appear at the next mention.
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