R. v. Yates-Johnson - Court-Martial Appeal Court (May L.J. Sheen and McCowan JJ.) - 11 December 1984

Royal Navy - Duties of navigating officers clarified

In February 1984 HMS Fearless , an Assault Ship of the Royal Navy, collided with a merchant vessel off Portland harbour. The Commanding Officer and Officer of the Watch of Fearless were court-martialled for negligently causing or allowing the ship to be hazarded. The Navigating Officer was also court-martialled. He was convicted of negligently performing his duties as navigating officer contrary to section 7(b) of the Naval Discipline Act 1957. The Navigating Officer appealed against his conviction to the Court-Martial Appeal Court (CMAC).