Safe working practices are of prime importance on an efficient
well run ship. All drugs, including alcohol and prescribed drugs, may
have side effects which increase the risk of accidents on board.
The effects of a drug may not be limited to the time immediately after it is
taken. Even in moderate doses some drugs remain in the body and affect the user
for hours or days. Slow reaction times, poor co-ordination and loss of memory
caused by drugs can turn everyday tasks into a nightmare for the affected person
and seriously increase shipboard hazards, not only for the drug abuser but for
everyone involved in vessel operations.
Perfectly legal drugs can adversely affect crew performance and can be potentially
just as dangerous as illegal drugs. Companies should encourage and require crew
members to advise the company of any medication they are taking that has been
prescribed by their doctor. This is particularly important because certain prescribed
drugs may also give a positive result in a drugs test.
At sea everyone is responsible, not only for their own safety, but the safety
of others. It is in everyone's interest that drug abuse be eliminated from
every part of marine industry.
Drugs and safety don't mix |
