Company policy

A clear and unambiguous company policy on drugs and alcohol should be prepared in consultation with joint venturers, business partners, seafarers, their unions and any other relevant industry body.

It is important to stress the paramount importance of safety at sea. A drug free ship not only provides a safer working environment but also enhances each individual seafarer’s long term health prospects.

The policy statement should make it clear that failure to comply with the policy will be considered serious misconduct. In the case of joint venturers and business partners, non-compliance should terminate their contract. In the case of employees, non-compliance should lead to disciplinary procedures.

This policy should:

Identify drugs on board as a safety issue
Clearly state the company’s position that the use or possession of any unauthorised drug    on board any of their vessels is unacceptable
Introduce the concept of drug testing