A captain of a Swire multi-purpose ship found to be intoxicated on arrival at a port in New Zealand has avoided jail time.
On Monday Whangarei District Court fined Anthony Michael Baker NZD 3,000 ($2,200) for exceeding the alcohol limit for a seafarer.
Maritime New Zealand’s (Maritime NZ) northern regional manager, Neil Rowarth, said the conviction of a cargo ship’s master is a strong warning and reminder to seafarers: “Safety is paramount, if you are over the alcohol limit you will be prosecuted”.
Rowarth also praised the pilots whose prompt actions started this case, and the police support of the prosecution.
On Friday morning senior pilot, Kirit Barot, and trainee pilot, Richard Oliver, boarded the 31,000-dwt Shansi (built 2013) to help her enter Whangarei Harbour and berth at North Port.
They were reportedly concerned that the master smelled of alcohol and about his behavior, so contacted the ship’s agent, the harbour master, and Maritime NZ.
“The master is legally responsible for their ship and all on board, and must be able to carry out their duties safely,” Rowarth said.
“A shipping accident can have tragic and widespread consequences. It endangers the crew, seafarers on other ships, and the environment – it can do serious damage to local economies and communities.
“Alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risk of accidents. Where we find seafarers over the limit, we will take action.”
The limit for a seafarer is 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath and carries a potential 12 month term of imprisonment or a NZD 10,000 fine.
