If you work in the maritime industry, yesterday marked an important day for strengthening workplace drug and alcohol management and in turn safety. As of June 1, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) started to enforce updated regulations mandating all domestic commercial vessel operators to include a comprehensive drug and alcohol policy within their safety program.
As highlighted by AMSA, the requirement for a workplace drug and alcohol policy applies to Class 1, 2, and 3 vessels. For us land lovers, this includes all commercial passenger, non-passenger and fishing vessels.
Why the drug and alcohol policy change matters
The maritime industry inherently involves high-risk operations where safety is paramount. Impairment due to drugs or alcohol can significantly compromise the safety of crew, passengers and the environment. AMSA’s updated mandate for a workplace drug and alcohol policy aims to mitigate these risks by ensuring all operators proactively manage and address potential substance-related hazards.
Under the new regulations, domestic commercial vessel operators must:
- Develop and implement a workplace drug and alcohol policy as part of their safety management system.
- Ensure all masters, crew and special personnel are:
- Informed about the policy.
- Assessed as fit to perform their duties.
- Not be impaired by drugs or alcohol while on duty.
The policy should be tailored to the specific operations of the vessel, considering factors such as vessel size, crew composition and operational risks.
Developing and implementing an effective workplace drug and alcohol policy
To comply with AMSA’s requirements, operators should consider the following steps:
- Policy development: Clearly outline acceptable drug and alcohol limits and consequences of policy violations. Ideally, this policy development should be done in consultation with crew members.
- Training and awareness: Educate all personnel on the policy’s contents, emphasising the importance of compliance and the risks associated with substance impairment.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Consider implementing drug and alcohol testing as part of the policy.
- Crew disclosure: Include in the policy a section on prescription medications, such as medicinal cannabis and ADHD medication. Consider whether to request crew members to inform you of any medications which may affect their safety performance.
- Under the influence suspicion: Consider how under suspicion cases will be handled. How will you determine if a crew member is unfit for duty (testing is the only way) and how will you manage this situation?
- Policy reviews and updates: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the policy, making necessary adjustments to address emerging risks or operational changes.
Integrity Sampling: Your partner in compliance
What if you operate in the maritime industry and you have no idea how to develop a workplace drug and alcohol policy, provide education and conduct testing?
Navigating the complexities of workplace drug and alcohol management can be challenging. However, Integrity Sampling is here to help. We can assist with all aspects, including workplace drug and alcohol policy development, reviews and updates. We can also help educate your workforce and, of course, conduct testing.
Contact us today to discuss your needs.
Note: Hire and drive vessels, called Class 4 vessels by the AMSA, have slightly different guidance when it comes to workplace drug and alcohol management. Changes for this Class also came into effect yesterday. You can ready more about those changes on the AMSA website.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
As of June 1, new workplace drug and alcohol policy requirements came into effect for the Australian maritime industry. Credit Maksym Kaharlytskyi https://unsplash.com/photos/red-and-white-boat-on-dock-during-daytime-851_Smpkk-U
