Seeking clarification about drug test program

[CapnCuervo]

Here’s a question for those more experienced and knowledgeable than I.

I am in the final stages of completing my paperwork for my OUPV license, but I do not intend on using it commercially. I am considering going for my 100 tonne licensed master next; however, I am concerned about the random drug test component. The reason is not that I use illegal substances (I don’t). It is that my wife and I spend several months each year cruising in the Eastern Caribbean. If I receive a notice to submit a drug test, and I am moored off the coast of Saba (or some place much more remote), how would that unfold?

It is also my understanding that I do not need to be enrolled in a random drug screening program if I am not going to use my OUPV commercially. Is that correct? Is the same true if I were to hold a 100 tonne license but did not use it commercially?

[capt jgw]

You need to do a one-time test to get the license, but after that you only need to be enrolled in a program if you're actually working your license. This would be handled by your employer. If you're self employed, you would have to join a program yourself, there are a lot of them out there. If you're not working under your license, you won't have to do another test until you apply :for renewal five years down the road. That's for ANY USCG license: OUPV, Master, Engineer, etc.

[flyingfin]

Breaking news - there are medical test labs throughout the caribbean,,,if called for a random and you are out of your home port, call the firm that handles your certificate. They will give you the name of a lab you can use.