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Part four of four from this full length documentary.

Part two of four from this full length documentary.

Part three of four from this full length documentary.

Part four of four from this full length documentary.

Part two of four from this full length documentary.

Part three of four from this full length documentary.

Part four of four from this full length documentary.

Mikhail Lermontov

Television (Full Length) – 1986

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Alex Webster.

15 Jun 2012 - 11.21am

I have for quite some time been interested in the sinking of the Mikhail Lermontov.
On the cover of the DVD it states, "Experienced N.Z. pilot is blamed, yet goes unpunished."
I watched the inquiry footage with interest and noticed the body language and attitude of Pilot Don Jamison. This had me raising the results of the inquiry.
It transpires that not only was he out out the pilotage area, he had the protection of N.Z. law protecting him from prosecution, which was not ammended untill 2003.
It is my opinion that Pilot Jamison had no authority to issue navigational commands, (as his rights to do so were equal to a passenger only.)
I am also of the opinion the the command that brought the demise of the ship was an UNLAWFUL COMMAND --- which should have been challenged by the officers on the bridge.
Surely, but with doubt there were charts of the area, a quick check of the area would have avoided the disaster. As a very young lad, I was encouraged to "Check, Recheck and Double Check your Recheck" Wise words.!!!!
Again, I am of the opinion that it is quite lawful to not act to an UNLAWFUL ORDER.
I would have felt fully informed if these items had been within the contents of the documentry.
Having ALL the facts is the essence of a complete program. (A.Webster.)