The Office of Investigations and Analysis writes about the challenges facing employers to conduct mandatory drug testing during the COVID-19 pandemic response. In this article they explain options to maintain compliance in this challenging environment.
Potential for Positive Drug Test Result from Use of Hemp-Plant Products
This Marine Safety Advisory is to ensure that mariners, marine employers, and sponsoring organizations are aware that some products marketed as hemp or cannabidiol (CBD) may contain enough tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cause a positive drug test.
1/18/2018: Marine Safety Advisory 01-18 Expansion of Dept. of Transportation drug screening to include semi-synthetic opiates
This Marine Safety Advisory is to ensure mariners, marine employers, and sponsoring organizations are informed of recent changes to the Department of Transportation Drug Testing requirements. As the U.S. Coast Guard requires a DOT drug test, this MSA seeks to broadly communicate important changes effecting mariners, marine employers, and sponsoring organizations.
3/22/2017: Drug testing options for mariner credential applications
All applicants for the original issuance or renewal of a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and applicants seeking certain raises in grade or new endorsements must provide evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or meet the requirements for an exemption from testing.
2/3/2017: Random drug testing rate for covered crewmembers for 2017
The Coast Guard has set the calendar year 2017 minimum random drug testing rate at 25 percent of covered crewmembers.
6/29/2016: Safety alert – Random chemical testing requirements for marine employers, sponsoring organizations and mariners
The Coast Guard published a safety advisory to restate and reemphasize the importance of a properly administered and applied random chemical testing program to prevent drug misuse as a causative factor in marine casualties.
2/3/2016: Collection of information under review by the Office of Management and Budget – Report of marine casualty and chemical testing of commercial vessel personnel
The Coast Guard seeks comment on the report of marine casualty and chemical testing of commercial vessel personnel.
1/12/2016: Random drug testing rate for covered crewmembers for 2016
The Coast Guard has set the calendar year 2016 minimum random drug testing rate at 25 percent of covered crewmembers.
10/23/2015: Information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget – Marine casualty information and periodic chemical and alcohol testing
The Coast Guard seeks comment on the approval of a revision to a currently approved collection for marine casualty information and periodic chemical drug and alcohol testing of commercial vessel personnel.
