A Government boat skipper took the rap for failing to display a registration sticker on one of its vessels - but said it was his employer's fault, and he wants his $150 fine repaid.

Keemo Smith pleaded guilty to the offence at Magistrates' Court yesterday, but told Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo: "My job was supposed to sort it out - the Ministry of Youth and Sports. It's their boat, I was just driving it."

Asked by Mr. Tokunbo if he'd be taking the matter up with his employer, he replied: "Oh yeah, they'll be paying the fine."

His remark caused the Magistrate to quip: "That's my money paying your fine. This don't make no sense."

Smith explained outside the hearing that the boat is used by the Ministry to ferry people between the islands, and he would take his paperwork to his boss in the hope of reimbursement.