The use of dangerous drugs and alcohol in the workplace continues to pose a significant risk to passenger and crew safety in the marine industry. The Coast Guard Drug and Alcohol Program was developed to deter the illegal use of controlled substances by crewmembers, and promote a safe, drug-free workplace.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have published regulations pertaining to drug testing of persons working in the transportation industries in Title 49 CFR Part 40 and 46 CFR Part 4, 5, and 16, and 33 CFR Part 95. The intent of these regulations is to deter the illegal use of controlled substances by merchant marine personnel. Enforcement of these regulations by the U.S. Coast Guard is necessary to ensure that marine employer’s conduct testing when required and in the manner described in the regulations.
As the Drug and Alcohol Program Manager or the US Coast Guard (December 2001-March 2013), Robert Schoening developed the The Marine Employer Drug Testing Guidance to assist the marine employer in understanding and complying with the chemical testing regulations. This guide is very informative but should be used in conjunction with the applicable federal regulations, to ensure that marine employers develop a compliant Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
This guide is designed to aid the marine employer in complying with the regulations for the required chemical-testing program. This booklet cannot possibly address every circumstance and scenario encountered in the maritime drug and Alcohol testing field, however it will provide marine employers a firm understanding of the federal requirements and the practical means of complying with the regulations.
For assistance with US Coast Guard regulated drug and alcohol testing programs contract Natinoal Drug Screening at 866-843-4545.
