Apr.3--CAPTAIN Parmod Kumar, master of the 37,707-dwt bulk carrier African Harrier has been fined NZ$3,000 (US$2,272) after pleading guilty to operating the ship while drunk in Tauranga District Court.
He was also fired by Dubai-based MUR Shipping, which according to its website controls up to 100 owned and chartered vessels operating on 25 routes and employs 170 worldwide and operates in 13 countries.
The 2014-built ship was due to leave Tauranga on March 22, but the ship's pilot expressed concern to Maritime New Zealand that the master was under the influence of alcohol.
A breath test at Tauranga Police Station showed the man had a breath alcohol level of 1229 micrograms per litre, almost five times the legal limit of 250mg/l, reported World Maritime News.
It reported New Zealand Herald citing a statement from MUR Shipping confirming the ship's master has been "relieved of his command at the Port of Tauranga due to a breach of the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping Regulation Vlll/1," and the company's own rigorous Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy."
According to the shipping company, a replacement master has been appointed and the vessel has now sailed for Marsden Point.
(Source:shippingazette)