U.S. Coast Guard to require certification for designated drug-testing officers aboard vessels by Jan. 31, 2003

U.S. Coast Guard to require certification for designated drug-testing officers aboard vessels by Jan. 31, 2003

Two-day course available to AMO members at RTM STAR Center in Dania Beach, Fla.

      Effective Jan. 31, 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard will require that the officers onboard each vessel responsible for collecting urine specimens for drug testing be trained and certified by a qualified Department of Transportation instructor.
      The Raymond T. McKay Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research Center in Dania Beach, Fla., has developed a two-day course for American Maritime Officers members to obtain this certification. Because some circumstances will dictate that the designated drug tester aboard a vessel will also have to be tested, it is recommended that two officers aboard each vessel be certified in drug testing procedures.
      The U.S. Coast Guard requires that a certified drug tester be available within eight hours of the time of an incident or maritime casualty to conduct drug testing. Previously, designated officers conducted this testing when an outside drug tester was not available or could not reach the vessel within eight hours. Because of the number of errors and invalid tests returned from vessels, the Coast Guard is now requiring the designated drug-testing officers to receive training and earn certification.
      AMO members who completed drug-testing training prior to Aug. 1, 2001, and demonstrated the required proficiencies for collecting urine specimens, will not be required to complete a second course or demonstration of proficiency prior to Jan. 31, 2003. Those who did not complete this training prior to Aug. 1, 2001, and who are designated as an officer responsible for collecting urine specimens for drug testing, will have to complete the new course prior to Jan. 31, 2003.
      All designated drug testers must complete refresher training every five years to maintain their certification.
      The RTM STAR Center course will cover all of the requirements for certification as a urine specimen collector. Additionally, during a second day of training, the course will acquaint members with the use of breathalyzer devices. Two officers aboard each vessel should meet the drug testing certification requirements of the Department of Transportation so that all members of the crew can be tested by another certified drug tester, if it becomes necessary.
      The DOT requires that certified drug testers be familiar with 49 CFR Part 40, which outlines specimen collection requirements. Designated drug testers must also be trained in the required steps for completing a collection, dealing with problem situations during drug testing, addressing correctable flaws and identifying fatal flaws in the testing process and maintaining the integrity of the testing process with professionalism.
      Demonstrations of proficiency during training will address these areas during mock drug testing scenarios.
      Certified drug testers who make a mistake during the specimen collection process during an actual incident that causes a test to be cancelled or invalidated must complete drug testing error correction training within 30 days of being notified of the error.
      For more information about certification requirements, contact RTM STAR Center instructor Mary Ellen Rosen at (954) 920-3222 ext. 7175 or by e-mail at mrosen@star-center.com. To inquire about enrolling in a drug testing certification course, contact RTM STAR Center Student Services at (954) 920-3222 ext. 7112.

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