US Coast Guard Drug Test – When and How?

Marine employers safety-sensitive drug testing programs must be conducted in accordance with 49 CFR Part 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Testing Programs. As such, they need to undergo testing several times during their career. The tests conducted under the coast guard regulations are limited to the following drugs:

  • Marijuana
  • Opiates
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines and methamphetamines
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • Alcohol

A US Coast Guard drug test is done through urine samples while that for alcohol can be done through blood or breath. Marine employers must report all positive drug and alcohol tests. There are serious consequences for those who test positive for these substances.

US Coast Guard Drug Test – When Do Tests Occur?

  1. Pre-employment
    For you to be a crew member, you must pass a drug test so you can be employed. Every prospective crew member has to submit a urine sample and cannot work on a marine vessel until a result is received. Background checks are usually done to find out if the applicant has a history of substance abuse.
  2. Periodic
    Periodic tests are considered the responsibility of individual mariners and not the employer. They are done for various transactions that involve licenses including CORs, or MMDs. The coast guard regional center must receive the test results at the time of the transaction.
  3. Random
    Marine employers must conduct random drug testing of certain crew members. The testing must be done at an annual rate of not less than 25% annually.
  4. Reasonable cause
    A marine employer has the right to demand the testing of an employee who is suspected of indulging in substance or alcohol abuse.
  5. Post-accident
    Any person who is directly involved in an accident must be tested for the presence of drugs and alcohol in their system. Post accident testing applies to all serious marine incidents that involve commercial vessels without regard to the flag of origin. It also includes crew members on foreign vessels who are directly involved in serious accidents that occur in US waters.

If you work with the US Coast Guard and recently failed a drug test, you will need to see a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and complete the return to duty process. For more information on a SAP in your area, get in touch with SAP Referral Services today! We offer our FastTrack Enrollment Program to employees who are seeking the services of a SAP in their area. Click here to learn more.

source: DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING OVERVIEW