Drug and Alcohol Test
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Drug & Alcohol Testing Needs in the Shipping Community International concern arising from various outstanding sea disasters : including the Valdez Alaska accident and the airplane crash on the aircraft carrier the USS Nimitz in 1981, resulting in sea pollution and loss of life, forced a series of actions to be taken by national–international organizations and governments to reduce the incidence of sea accidents. There was also concern in the international shipping community. The prestige and the image of shipping was at stake for onboard substance abuse resulting in accidents and sea pollution. Drastic action was necessary and the decision was to implement a drug/alcohol policy. The organizations concerned with promoting the safety and health of mariners provided relevant information /regulations for implementing drug/alcohol policies. Maritime diligence and safety became a top priority with emphasis placed on the "human element". The mariner was therefore called upon, not only to protect himself, but also his livelihood, the ship. According to IMO, over 80% of marine accidents are caused by human error. |
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