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National Maritime Center (NMC)
Mariner Licensing and Documentation (MLD)
Drug Test Information
Mail ALL applications to the nearest USCG Regional Exam Center.
Application Status: you can check the status of your current Application for Merchant Mariner Document (MMD), License, or Certificate of Registry (Form CG-719B).
Definition
What are "dangerous drugs"?
"Dangerous drugs" - under the Department of Transportation rules are: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines. Proof that you are free of dangerous drugs is required with your renewal application. Only a screening that tests for the five dangerous drugs is accepted. All tests must be conducted in accordance with "Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Programs" in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 40 and done by laboratories certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. All qualifying random and periodic drug-testing programs must also meet these requirements.
Requirements
A drug test is required for all transactions EXCEPT endorsements, duplicates, and STCW certificates.
ONLY a DOT 5 Panel (SAMHSA 5 Panel, formerly NIDA 5), testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine, and Amphetamines will be accepted.
Proof
How do I prove that I am free of dangerous drugs?
Acceptable proof of meeting the drug testing requirements can be any one of the following:
- A completed drug test form (report or letter) signed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO) or authorized representative of a consortium showing that you passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs conducted in accordance with 49 CFR 40 within the previous six months with no subsequent positive drug tests during the remainder of the six-month period.
- A letter on company or consortium stationary signed by the authorized official that administers the drug testing program stating that you passed a pre-employment or periodic test for dangerous drugs within the previous six months with no subsequent positive drug tests during the remainder of the six month period.
- A letter on company or consortium stationary signed by the authorized official that administers the drug testing program stating that you have been subject to random drug testing required by 46 CFR 16.230 for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days and did not fail or refuse to participate in any required chemical test.
- If you are an active duty U.S. military member, a letter from your command stating that you have been subject to random drug testing for the past six months and have not failed or refused to participate in any required test. Random testing letters are not accepted for reserve military members since they are only subject to testing during monthly drills. However, if you are a reserve or active duty member and passed a required chemical test for dangerous drugs within the previous six months, then you may submit a letter from your command stating this.
Options
Option I
- A USCG drug test conducted within the past 185 days by a laboratory accredited by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Department of Health and Human Services.
- COLLECTION of a urine sample may be conducted by an independent
medical facility, private physician or at an employer-designated site
as long as the collection agent meets the qualification requirements
to be a collection agent given Title 49 CFR Part 40.31. It is CRITICAL
that the sample is sent to an accredited SAMHSA laboratory for ANALYSIS
or the drug test is invalid. The SAMHSA approved laboratory list can
be obtained at
the SAMHSA WEB site.
A link to a list of service agents that can assist in meeting these requirements is here. Scroll down to the "Drug and Alcohol Program" section, and click on "Drug testing service providers".
The ORIGINAL results are required. A FACSIMILE is acceptable, if it is originated from the Medical Review Officer (MRO) or the Service Agent assisting the mariner, and sent directly to our office. The drug test result must be signed and dated by the MRO or by a representative of the service agent who assisted you in meeting this requirement.
Option II
- An ORIGINAL DATED letter on marine employer stationary or, for ACTIVE
DUTY MILITARY MEMBERS, an ORIGINAL DATED letter from your command on
command letterhead attesting to participation in random drug testing
programs.
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.
EXAMPLE (Active Duty Military/Military Sealift Command/NOAA/Army Corps of Engineers): APPLICANT’S NAME / SSN has been subject to a random testing program and has never refused to participate in or failed a chemical drug test for dangerous drugs.
Option III
- An ORIGINAL DATED letter on marine employer stationary signed by
a company official, stating that you have passed a pre-employment chemical
test for dangerous drugs within the past 185 days.
EXAMPLE: APPLICANT’S NAME / SSN passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs, required under Title 46 CFR 16.210 within the previous six months of the date of this letter with no subsequent positive drug test results during the remainder of the six month period.
Licensing Questions and Concerns, Contact:
IASKNMC
NMC Help Desk: 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662)
Web Site Questions and Concerns, Click here