A reliever was appointed to sail a multi-purpose cargo ship out of Whangarei while its captain awaited a court appearance on a charge of being drunk while operating the vessel.
Anthony Michael Baker, 53, admitted in the Whangarei District Court yesterday to contravening special blood alcohol limit under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 s40c.
The Englishman blew 1345 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath- more than five times the legal limit for a seafarer of 250mcg - shortly after his ship, Shansi, docked at Northport on Friday.
Read more: Drunk ship's captain more than five times over the limit
Police summary of facts stated Baker was flown to New Zealand from England to master the 40,000 tonne Shansi, owned by China Navigation Company Limited, also known as Swire Shipping.
He sailed the ship from Port of Tauranga to Whangarei Heads before mooring at sea for two days while waiting his allotted time to berth at Northport at Marsden about 9am on Friday. The ship had a crew of 28 members.
A pilot boat and crew sent to guide Shansi to her berth found the ship had difficulty starting its engine and getting its anchor up.
The crew initially had difficulty locating Baker but when he was subsequently spoken to, they suspected he was under the influence of alcohol.
Police were notified about 2.30pm and he was taken to the Whangarei Police Station where he recorded the high reading.
Baker told police he had been drinking wine, could not recall when he started drinking, but said he had his last drink about 9am on Friday.
In court, his lawyer Nick Leader said Baker was not on duty and was not aware of the difficulties in getting the ship's anchor up but was notified and took over navigation without any problem.
Baker did not have a drinking problem after he was diagnosed with post stress traumatic disorder in 2005 but his drinking escalated last year, he said.
Mr Leader said Baker has been a seafarer for 37 years, including 20 years working for China Navigation Company Limited.
Judge Keith de Ridder fined him $3000 and ordered that he also pay $130 in court costs.
Shansi left Northport on Sunday and Swire Shipping general manager commercial, Brodie Stevens, confirmed Baker has been stood down pending an inquiry.
He said the company hired a relieving captain and the ship has left Whangarei for an overseas port.
"He's been charged, the court case has taken place, and now he'll be dealt with internally by the company. That's all I am prepared to say," Mr Stevens said.
Maritime New Zealand northern regional manager, Neil Rowarth, said Baker's conviction was a strong warning and reminder to seafarers that safety was paramount and if they were over the alcohol limit, they would be prosecuted.
He praised senior pilot Kirit Barot and trainee pilot Richard Oliver for their prompt action and police for supporting the prosecution.
"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.
"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."