Coast Guard warns mariners of mandatory testing
All international and U.S.-flag vessels operating in American waters must comply with U.S. Coast Guard drug and alcohol testing regulations that take effect June 20, the Coast Guard said in a statement.
The new rules require 'any individual engaged or employed' on a ship in U.S. waters who is involved 'in a serious marine incident' to be tested for drugs and alcohol.
Alcohol testing must be conducted within two hours of the accident occurring. Drug testing must be done within 32 hours of the incident.
The Coast Guard defined a 'serious marine incident' as one or more deaths on a vessel, an injury that requires medical attention beyond first aid, damage to property over $100,000, loss of a vessel, and a discharge of 10,000 gallons or more of oil into U.S. navigable waters.