In view of the alcohol conviction of a cargo ship’s master, on 7 August, Maritime New Zealand’s Northern Regional Manager, Neil Rowarth, reminded seafarers that “safety is paramount”, and any crew found over the alcohol limit will be prosecuted.
Specifically, the Whangarei District Court has fined the master of the multi-purpose cargo carrier, Shansi, Anthony Michael Baker, $3,000 for exceeding the alcohol limit for a seafarer. The Maritime Transport Act limit is 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, and Mr Baker blew a test of 1,345 micrograms.
On Friday morning (August 4) Senior Pilot, Kirit Barot, and Trainee Pilot, Richard Oliver, boarded Shansi to help her enter Whangarei Harbour and berth at North Port. They were concerned the master smelled of alcohol and about his behavior, so contacted the ship’s agent, the harbour master, and Maritime NZ.
A Maritime Officer boarded Shansi with a Police officer who could, if required, take an alcohol breath test. Mr Baker blew an exceptionally high alcohol reading, was arrested, placed in Police custody, and charged by Police.
“The master is legally responsible for their ship and all on board, and must be able to carry out their duties safely,” Mr Rowarth said and added: “Alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risk of accidents. Where we find seafarers over the limit, we will take action.”