- The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the maritime industry in general recognise the potentially serious impact and risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs or other impairing substances by maritime personnel.
- Research has shown that a properly designed random workplace drug and alcohol testing programme can mitigate the risk of inappropriate drug and alcohol use and reduce workplace incidents and accidents.
- The overall objective of Guidelines for the Control of Drug and Alcohol Onboard Ship is to provide guidance for workplace alcohol and drug testing.
A recently published report by OCIMF brings forth the Guidelines for the Control of Drug and Alcohol Onboard Ship.
Fitness test for duty
It is also, to identify employees prescribed medication that could potentially impair their work and who need to be passed fit for duty.
This guideline applies to operators of marine vessels and terminal operators associated
with ship and shore operations. It does not address drug and alcohol testing associated with substance abuse treatment, return to work and aftercare testing.
The guideline identifies best practices for the following programme areas:
- Drug and alcohol programme management (section 2)
- Elements of drug and alcohol policy (section 3)
- Position categories and drug and alcohol testing recommendations (section 4)
- Medication disclosure (section 5)
- Alcohol programme and testing recommendations (section 6)
- Drug specimen collection (section 7)
- Custody and control forms (section 8)
- Stand-down (section 9)
- Drug panel (section 10)
- Laboratory and drug specimen validity recommendations (section 11)
- Drug test review process (section 12)
Companies to refer these guidelines
Oil and gas companies in contract with vessel and terminal operators can refer to this guideline for their drug and alcohol programme requirements. Vessel operators and marine terminal operators can use it to meet the OCIMF guidelines.
This guideline replaces OCIMF’s Guideline for the Control of Drugs and Alcohol Onboard Ship from June 1995. In part, this guideline is contestant with the Oil and Gas Contractor Drug and Alcohol Testing Guidelines (IPIECA, IOGP).
General guidance
This document provides general guidance. In all cases, legal and other professional advice
should be sought on the individual circumstances, including a review of legal authority in the country or jurisdiction where workplace drug and/or alcohol testing may take place. These guidelines do not replace or supersede local/country laws. If these guidelines conflict with local law, the local law requirements should be followed.
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Source: OCIMF
