Interim name suppression is granted to the second man charged for offences relating to the grounding of the container ship Rena on the Astrolabe Reef last week.

The second officer in charge of navigation watch was charged last night under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act.

The Rena ship's navigation officer has appeared in Tauranga Distrcit Court charged under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act.

This is for operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk.

At the Tauranga District Court today, defence counsel Mark Beech asked for interim name suppression in order to protect the defendant from harm.

Since grounding on the reef, Maritime New Zealand has estimated about 300 tonnes of heavy fuel oil has leaked from the Rena.

The captain appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with the same offence.

He's been remanded on bail and will appear in Tauranga District Court on October, 19, as further charges may be laid.