MSC ROSHNEY V

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Captain received suspended prison sentence for drunken sailing

Zbigniew Chowaniecthe a 65-year-old Polish captain of the 'MSC Roshney V', has received a suspended prison sentence and a small fine in the UK after admitting to operating his vessel under the influence of alcohol. Chowaniec was found to be over the legal alcohol limit when police boarded his ship in Felixstowe on Jan 15, 2024. Port officers arrested Chowaniec after detecting a strong smell of alcohol. A breathalyzer test later confirmed he had an alcohol level of 93 micrograms per 100ml of breath, significantly exceeding the limit for seafarers of 25 micrograms per 100ml set by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention (STCW Convention). Chowaniec was handed an eight-week suspended prison sentence and a £494 fine. He expressed deep remorse for his actions and acknowledged that his days as a ship captain were now behind him. Despite the serious nature of the offense, the judge commented on Chowaniec’s previously unblemished record, noting that he did not pose a risk to the public. However, he warned that any future offences could result in prison time.