Mariners School - Random Drug Tests

Hi -
What are the requirements for a six pack license. Some Captains tell me you have to be enrolled in a Random Drug Testing Program others say it not needed . You just need to supply proof of a drug test for application and renewals. If you are already in a work drug testing program can that be used ?

If you are tested randomly at the workplace, you can have your employer give you a drug screen letter, for both application and renewals.

If no testing at work is involved are you required to join a random testing program ? Can you just get a test for application and every 5 years for renewal ?

If you are tested randomly at the workplace, you can have your employer give you a drug screen letter, for both application and renewals.

I just renewed a few months ago and thats no longer the case. I am involved in a random drug test program(with a Police Dept)and they informed me they no longer accept the letter. I had to go to a lab(Quest Diagnostics)and be tested there.

If no testing at work is involved are you required to join a random testing program ? Can you just get a test for application and every 5 years for renewal ?

Just get a drug screen when you get your physical.

Gman, you rec'd some bad info.

I am (and have been for over 10 years) in a random drug test consortium. A letter from the consortium is all that is needed. I just renewed last month. It's a fact.

-Rob

Sign on with Maritime Consortium, or any other CG recognized drug testing consortium. You may/may not be selected during the year for a random test but when your CG License renewal comes due, a letter from the consortium will work.

In order to renew all you need is a letter that you passed a drug test in the last 6 months, OR that you are currently enrolled in a testing program.
So no you dont need to be in a drug testing program, and can just pay for a single test when you renew. But if you are using your license, you are required to be in a drug testing program.

In order to renew all you need is a letter that you passed a drug test in the last 6 months, OR that you are currently enrolled in a testing program.
So no you dont need to be in a drug testing program, and can just pay for a single test when you renew. But if you are using your license, you are required to be in a drug testing program.

Like I said, the woman said the letter is no longer accepted. She made calls while I was there and she received the same info from her superior. Unless they were just out to break my balls that day someone is lacking the correct information.

The letter has always been enough..even for the initial application and a couple of renews. But this renew they put the the kabosh on the letter.

Gman,
It might be that the testing done by your workplace does not meet the DOT requirements. Or they were just busting your balls. One of my employees just renewed his license and all he showed them was a letter from our drug testing program stating that he has been enrolled and has not failed or refused to test.
There may be a Chain of Custody issue, whereby the letter must come straight from the drug test program and not via your hands.
Its hard to say exactly what the issue was with your letter, but proof that you re enrolled in a random testing program that meets the DOT regs is sufficient.
I have heard although not confirmed that the testing protocol for commercial drivers license is different from the USCG testing protocol. Hard to believe exactly because they both reference the same CFR. Go figure, thats the government. I had to get two identical FBI backround checks within 2 months of each other last year. One for my TWIC and one for my CDL. each costing $100+

I just renewed my license. Speaking directly with the USCG NMC - a letter from your employer indicating participation in a random drug test program within the last 6 mos is all you need. Perhaps your employer's drug test program does not meet the CFR requirement as specified below?

>>EXAMPLE (From Marine Employers): APPLICANT’S NAME / SSN has been subject to a random testing program meeting the criteria of Title 46 CFR 16.230 for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days and has not failed nor refused to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs.<<

I work with the NMC nearly daily and they have confirmed that a letter from your employer stating that you are currently enrolled in a DOT drug testing program is accepted for licensing purposes.

The key here is it must be a DOT recognized drug test.

I heard the key words "not using the license" earlier.

I plan on applying for the OUPV and possibly 25T masters because I have the sea time logged, meet the other requirements etc...

I don't plan on getting the license for any reason other than I can. In other words I won't be taking any charters etc. I would like to avoid the hassle of being in a random drug test program... Will I have to sign up/pay for one?

You ONLY need the consortium random drug testing if you are using your license (chartering). It is not a requirement to get your license, a single drug test is.

Gman, you rec'd some bad info.

I am (and have been for over 10 years) in a random drug test consortium. A letter from the consortium is all that is needed. I just renewed last month. It's a fact.

-Rob

:thumbsup:

renewing right now and all you need is a compliance letter stateing that you have been enrolled and you are in compliance with the rules. If you have not tested neg and are currently enrolled you are fine. Call up the company that gives the wizz quiz and get a letter from them..

In California you can volunteer for random testing, sometimes this lowers your commercial insurance rates and also makes your passengers feel more comfortible

if enrolled in a random testing, do you get a call and show up with a day or so? I'm just worried i'll get a call be have drank too much the day before.

unless you are drinking pot you should be fine.

I am in and have been in a DOD program for over 25 years. When I did mine, they accepted a letter from the program sponsor. However, it took THREE times to get the letter worded in a way they would accept it.

Does anybody know how to get a program approved by the USCG? I am a captain but also work for a leading background check and drug testing firm and am trying to make a system to make the process easier and cheaper for captains.

Our old captain was an alcoholic who, after visiting (http://www.keysso.net/arrests/arrest_list.htm) proved to be a well known partier and drunk driver in the Keys. DUIs, domestic battery, contempt of court, possession of controlled substance (I wonder what substance), etc.

He was an excellent boat handler, and we never had to do any repairs when he moved it. However, we were gone for three months and left the boat at the yard throughout the hurricane season - insurance used to reimburse us for hard storage during the storm months. During this period, he let our batteries explode due to lack water, so we fired him.

:bashhh: $60.00 a year with Gulf South and forget it.

Just get it when you get our physical and be done with it. No need to make it difficult.

Make sure the adress and name of the Dr. is on the cg719k form...

unless you are drinking pot you should be fine.

:rofl:

now that's funny right there!

View the Video on the Mariners Learning System website, click on the You Tube icon.

If you use your License professionally, you must be a part of a random drug test program or you can be fined by the USCG. Look it up on the USCG website as the initial fine is as much as $5500 per incident.

If you do not use your license professionally and you are up for renewal, get a DOT approved drug test within 6 months of the submission of your application and you are set.

Holy cow, I know licensed captains who fish commercially who are addicted to weed.

Well there is a HUGE difference between passenger captains and fishing captains.

Jeez
If you got to ask, one has got to assume you just blew a fatty or something at a party over the weekend forgetting you had a test coming up the next week.

Just get it when you get our physical and be done with it. No need to make it difficult.

Make sure the adress and name of the Dr. is on the cg719k form...


The form also needs a signature from the doctor. I had my drug screening done at a local, DOT certified establishment, and they did not sign the form. It was denied by the USCG, for lack of a signature. I had to go back to the place, have them sign a copy, and mail it to the place that goes over the application.

View the Video on the Mariners Learning System website, click on the You Tube icon.

If you use your License professionally, you must be a part of a random drug test program or you can be fined by the USCG. Look it up on the USCG website as the initial fine is as much as $5500 per incident.

If you do not use your license professionally and you are up for renewal, get a DOT approved drug test within 6 months of the submission of your application and you are set.

You do not to be enrolled in a random drug test program if you are employed by a company. If you run your own charters then you need to be enrolled in a program. The employer assumes responsibility for drug testing its captains.

First, I should clarify which tests these questions are talking about. Simply, the DOT/USCG requires a certain chain of custody that specifies the appropriate test(DOT 5 panel lab test) and it must be done on a Federal CCF(custody and control form). Be careful about having the test done when you get your physical unless you know for sure they know what they are doing. If they don't, it is going to cost you again getting the correct test.

Second, the question about a notification for Random Testing. It depends on who the regulating authority is and what that policy is. For USCG testing, typically, you will get a notice that says you must report to a testing facility within 24 hrs. If you don't, that constitutes a refusal to test. In other instances, you may walk in the door and be pulled aside and told you were chosen for a random drug test and you have to get it now. No notice.

Third, in the post above. Whether you are an employer or employee in a DOT mandated program, you must be in a random pool. That pool may be your company or may be a part of a consortium. So, YES, you must be in a random pool even if you are employed by a company.

Concerning the question about "passenger captains" and "fishing captains", assuming both take passengers for hire, there is no difference in the testing requirements. They are both required to be in a random pool and be tested appropriately.

In order to renew all you need is a letter that you passed a drug test in the last 6 months, OR that you are currently enrolled in a testing program.
So no you dont need to be in a drug testing program, and can just pay for a single test when you renew. But if you are using your license, you are required to be in a drug testing program.

X2

Lit Ups got it right

I am not going to advertise here but I own a company that will come right to you to collect the specimen. Personally, I am not a nationwide company so I do that in my area but I am not going to get into specifics because although I would love to, I am not going to advertise like this. :) I only mention it because it is a helluva lot more convenient than sitting at a Quest or Labcorp for an hour.