Drug Testing

Random Testing

Not only do I have a policy, but everyone (including myself) is subject to random testing. Our corporate office has a system which will just spit out a name for testing on a random basis.

Just a question on this.
We have a strict and enforced policy on substance abuse. It is pointed out to all personnel that should the test come back positive and it takes place in a jurisdiction where we are required to report to the local authorities such results, we will do so. It is also made quite plain and straight forward that the resulting punishments in some countries of operation can be quite harsh. It's never happened that we've had to turn over someone, thank God, although we have had a couple of very rapid resignations. We're land based so we are pretty much under the authority of local laws and regulations.

On a vessel would local regulation cover the personnel of a foreign flagged vessel when in port or would the flag nation's regulations apply?

Put this on your Crew notice board.

It always happens again that in certain ports drugs are discovered by the customs' black gang on board of vessels. Many crew members are not aware of the fact that only the possession of drugs means a punishable action, which today is pursued worldwide by rigorous measures.
Any person who is caught on board of our vessels by the Master when bringing drugs aboard, being in possession or consuming it, has to face a summary dismissal and denunciation with the next attainable police authorities. Thereby, often considerable longtime imprisonment under inhuman conditions has to be considered, depending in what port the seaman in question is conveyed to the police.
The company cannot afford that due to such a reason the vessel is arrested and will therefore take all possible measurements regarding any bringing on board of drugs. The Master, as representative of the company and national authorities, is obliged to institute at once the relevant steps for a criminal procedure. In their own interest all crew members are requested to abstain from such punishable actions.
We kindly ask you to acknowledge receipt of this leaflet on attached copy. This leaflet will be considered as an integral part of the labor contract.

As with the others, I too have a set of rules that must be signed prior to employment regarding drugs and use. I have never taken a crew member to be tested, but I have threatened.
Lately I have been hearing alot about the increase in drug use among crew, especially in St. Martin.
If and when my crew compliment increases I will be doing random drug testing, round them all up and march them off to drug screening without prior notice. You just have to be ready to lose some crew.