It’s read by the crew, yes, but is it adhered too!
Drugs are rife – both onboard and on land. And your crew members MUST be fit for duty – which means that there cannot be any non-prescribed drugs in their system upon boarding and whilst onboard. So, if they are partying beforehand whether one day or several, and test positive, they cannot and should not be permitted to board the vessel.
There is zero tolerance both with the authorities and should also be with YOU!
Prescription drugs on Australian commercial vessels must be managed under strict safety, security, and regulatory guidelines. Crew must report all medication, ensure it is properly stored (including locked storage for controlled substances), and maintain valid documentation. Personal medication is allowed with a doctor’s letter (in English) for up to three months’ supply.
All crew, including Skipper and special personnel must disclose any medications that may affect their ability to perform tasks. This will assist to understand whether they can perform relevant duties and enable you to assess safety risks.
This information may also be required to ensure compliance with workplace health and safety (WHS) laws.
Testing may be conducted, or be subject to, random, pre-employment, or post-incident testing!
These random tests can be carried out by authorities – but also Skipper, the owner or even Shorlink can be engaged as per the Drug and Alcohol Policy in your SMS.
Whilst there is not an AMSA requirement to conduct and record a minimum number of tests per annum, we do recommend at least once a year and always if you feel a master, crew member or participant may be impaired.
If someone is under the influence of non-prescribed medication or possible side-effects of prescribed medication, it is important to consider if they are a danger to themselves or others.
Try to prevent the situation from escalating. Talk to the affected person calmly and keep them in a safe space. If the person’s actions endanger the safety of the vessel or people on the vessel, you can take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the vessel.
Please refer to the Drug Policy in Section 0 of your SMS for further information at each vessel and/or business should have specific instructions.
Controlled drugs must be kept in a locked, secure cupboard, with keys held by the Master or a responsible officer.
Medication chests are regulated and must be stored correctly AWAY from crew accommodation. You should also keep your Medical Logbook updated immediately with any changes.
Positive tests can lead to removal from duty, cancellation of marine qualifications, significant fines and/or imprisonment for both the person and the business.
Possession, importation, or supply of illegal drugs on vessels is a serious crime, with severe penalties including life imprisonment.
If you are entering the waterways, in any capacity, it is your responsibility to know the rules and ensure yourself, and everyone on the water with you is abiding by the law. If not, reporting to authorities as soon as possible is required.
AMSA have a 28 Page document outlining medical carriage requirements, which you can find here!
When times are busy, you can often become complacent with the little things, especially ‘assuming’ that all staff know. Don’t assume!
Ensure all onboard crew, hirers, participants, and staff are:
• familiar with your drug policy
• fit to take control of the vessel
• not impaired by drugs.
Whether you are an owner, skipper, deckhand, server or cook – when you mix drugs with and the boating activity the consequences can be fatal.
Combine this with the responsibility of your fellow crew and passengers, it is imperative that you AND ALL ONBOARD take the risk seriously.
Our best tip is to ensure all persons onboard have read, understand and acknowledge the Drug Policies within your vessel and/or Company.
To ensure there is no confusion for our clients, here at Shorlink, we ALWAYS include with all of our SMS’s – Onboard Drug Policy plus Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy.
We also encourage all owners to ensure staff, crew, participants etc sign an Induction to the SMS/Policies for legal protection in case of an incident.
This ensures that our clients have peace of mind they have provided their crew with strict policies. Should the need arise, crew can refer to the SMS and owners have this in writing of their direction regarding drugs.
If you are unsure if you have a Policy in place, please contact our office to discuss further.
