marine link image
REGISTER NOW FOR the Port of the Future Conference • 2 Days, 50 Ports • Houston, TX • March 24–25, 2026

New Guidelines for Controlling Drug and Alcohol Use at Sea

June 26, 2020

© donvictori0 / Adobe Stock
© donvictori0 / Adobe Stock

New guidance from the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) addresses the potentially serious impact and risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs or other impairing substances by maritime personnel on board ships.

Research has shown that a properly designed random workplace drug and alcohol testing program can mitigate the risk of inappropriate drug and alcohol use and reduce workplace incidents and accidents.

OCIMF says its new guideline applies to operators of marine vessels and terminal operators associated with ship and shore operations. It does not address drug and alcohol testing associated with substance abuse treatment, return to work and aftercare testing.

The guidance can be viewed here.

Logistics News

Sailors’ Society Releases Latest Cadet Report, Highlighting the Digital Seafarer Generation

Sailors’ Society Releases Latest Cadet Report, Highlighting the Digital Seafarer Generation

Japanese Consortium Plans Ammonia Bunkering Operations in Singapore

Japanese Consortium Plans Ammonia Bunkering Operations in Singapore

CK Hutchison Says Panama Missed Arbitration Response Deadline

CK Hutchison Says Panama Missed Arbitration Response Deadline

Port Houston Sees February Volume Increased by 4%

Port Houston Sees February Volume Increased by 4%

Subscribe for Maritime Logistics Professional E‑News

Early findings indicate that the US-owned tanker near Iraq was attacked by unmanned vessels
Chemical smell causes DC airports to stop flights
Trump threatens to strike Iran’s Kharg Island oil networks if shipping routes remain blocked