Introduction:

This policy applies to all Officer Trainees undertaking college study as part of their cadet training programme, whose training is managed by the SSTG.

The misuse of recreational drugs at sea is frowned upon at sea and is taken very seriously by seafarers, companies and the SSTG alike.

Concerns include the following:

• The possibility that an individuals concentration could be impaired at a crucial time leading to the remainder of the crew, the ship and the cargo being put at risk.

• The individual being at personal medical risk, particularly if immediate professional assistance cannot be obtained at any time when it might be needed.

• The possibility of the commercial operation of the ship being put at risk should drugs be found on board by customs leading to the detention of the vessel for however short a period.

SSTG has in place an arrangement with the Medscreen Group, a commercial testing company to carry out random tests on Officer Trainees whilst attending college.

At the time of the collection of the sample, the individual is asked to sign a form giving their consent to providing a sample for the purpose of testing for the presence of a range of stated substances. They are also asked to declare any routine medication that they are currently taking. This is carefully recorded on the consent form.

If they do not give their consent, a sample will not be taken and the fact will be reported to SSTG who will immediately inform the sponsoring company. Many companies have requirements placed upon them by charterers to have a random testing policy in place and failure to provide consent is usually treated similarly as the receipt of a positive result.

If their consent is given they will be asked to provide two small samples, one that is eventually tested by Medscreen; the other is kept securely for use by the individual should they wish to subsequently appeal and request that the second sample be tested by an independent laboratory.

The sponsoring company normally has total discretion in deciding what action they may wish to take. This is often instant withdrawal of sponsorship for any positive test.

Should any individual wish to appeal, the second sample can be made available to an alternative laboratory, outside the Medscreen group, for independent analysis at their own cost.

Updated:     14 May 2024