A marine official has told the Tonga Supreme Court of the deficiencies and rust he found in a ferry which sank killing 74 people.
Four men and the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia are accused of manslaughter after the Princess Ashika sank in waters off Tonga in August 2009.
The men charged are former New Zealand businessman John Jonesse, who was chief executive of the Shipping Corporation, the ferry's captain Maka Tuputupu, first mate Semisi Pomale and a former ministry of transport director Viliami Tu'ipulotu.
Crown witness Onesi Tuifua from the Marine Division of the Ministry of Transport told the court on Wednesday he inspected the inter-island vessel two days after it arrived in Nuku'alofa from Fiji, Radio New Zealand International reports.
Mr Tuifua said load lines that showed whether the ship was overloaded had already submerged, even before any passengers or cargo had been loaded.
Other faults included serious rust problems and vital navigational equipment, including a sextant, not available.
Alarm bells and emergency equipment were not available either, nor were nets around the gangway to prevent passengers falling.
