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As a mariner, failing or refusing a drug test can put a sudden stop to your career.
At American River Wellness, we have helped hundreds of mariners through the USCG return-to-duty process, and we understand what it takes to get you back to work.
Here is what you need to know about your USCG drug testing requirements.
Key Takeaways
- A USCG drug test is a DOT-approved 5-panel urine drug screen that tests for recent use of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, and amphetamines/methamphetamines to ensure that safety-sensitive mariners can safely perform their jobs.
- Times you might have to take a USCG drug test include pre-employment testing, applying for an original merchant mariner credential (MMC), receiving an MMC raise of grade, renewing your officer endorsement on your MMC, upon initial certain endorsements, annually (for pilots), random testing when participating in a pool as an active mariner, reasonable suspicion testing, and serious marine incident (SMI) testing.
- If you fail or refuse a USCG drug test, you must complete a SAP evaluation and the RTD process before you can return to work.
- As a DOT-qualified SAP, American River Wellness can help you get back to work fast.
What is a Coast Guard Drug Test?
A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) drug test is a 5-panel urine screen that checks for recent use of specific substances.
It follows the Department of Transportation’s testing guidelines outlined in 49 CFR Part 40.
The test looks for:
- Marijuana/THC
- Opiates (like heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and similar substances)
- Cocaine
- PCP (phencyclidine)
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews and analyzes the results.
These tests are required for maritime workers in safety-sensitive positions to make sure they can do their jobs safely.
When Do I Need to Take the Test?
Under 46 CFR Parts 16 and 49 CFR Part 40, USCG drug tests are required at the following times:
Pre-Employment Drug Testing
When you apply for a job aboard a vessel, you must submit to a pre-employment drug test before you can be hired under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.210.
If you fail a pre-employment test, you won’t be hired. The employer must retain a copy of your failed pre-employment drug test for five years.
Applying for an Original Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
Under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.220(a)(1), you must submit a negative drug test at the time you apply for an original Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
If you fail or refuse this test, you won’t receive your credential and cannot be employed aboard a vessel.
Receiving an MMC Raise of Grade
When you receive an MMC raise of grade, you must submit a negative drug test under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.220(a)(3).
If you fail or refuse this test, you won’t receive your raise of grade and will be removed from duty until you complete the RTD process.
Renewing Your Officer Endorsement on your MMC
When it’s time to renew your officer endorsement on your MMC, you must submit a negative drug test under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.220(a)(2).
If you fail this test (or refuse it), you’ll be removed from duty and won’t be able to return to work until you complete the RTD process.
Your violation will be reported to the USCG, and you may face revocation of your credential.
Receiving Certain First Endorsements
Under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.220(a)(4), you must submit a negative drug test to receive the following first endorsements on your MMC:
- Able Seafarer
- Lifeboat Operator
- Tank Vessel
- Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED)
Annually (for USCG Pilots)
USCG pilots must submit negative drug tests as a part of their annual physical exams under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.220(c).
If you fail or refuse this test, you’ll be removed from duty immediately. You’ll also be suspended and may have your employment terminated.
Random Testing
If you’re an active mariner participating in a random testing program, you must submit a negative drug test when you’re notified you’ve been selected.
Under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.230, marine employers operating inspected vessels must create a random drug testing program for:
- All crew members performing duties required by the vessel’s certificate of inspection
- Work as watchmen or patrolmen, or perform the duties of those positions
- Any crewmember tasked with warning, helping, controlling, or assembling passengers’ movement in an emergency
This rule also requires marine employers that operate vessels not subject to inspections to implement random drug testing for:
- Any crewmember required to hold a USCG credential to perform their duties
- Anyone whose duties directly relate to the vessel’s safe operation
- Anyone tasked with warning, helping, controlling, or assembling passengers’ movement in an emergency
Reasonable Suspicion Testing
Under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.250, marine employers operating vessels that are required by law to employ credentialed mariners must require any crew member whom they reasonably suspect to be under the influence of dangerous drugs to submit to reasonable suspicion testing.
This belief must be based on direct observations of behavioral, physical, or psychological indicators that the crewmember is under the influence of drugs.
If possible, there should ideally be two supervisory observers.
If the individual refuses, that information will be entered into the ship’s logbook. They will also be removed from duty and won’t be able to return to work until they complete the RTD process.
The marine employer must submit a written report to the USCG. A credentialed individual holding an MMC may face revocation.
Post-Accident/Serious Marine Incident Testing
Under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.240, you must be tested following your involvement in a serious marine incident.
These are defined in 46 CFR Part 4, § 4.03-2 as accidents that result in any of the following:
- One or more deaths
- An injury that requires medical treatment beyond first aid
- Property damage of more than $200,000
- A total loss of any vessel subject to inspection
- A total loss of any self-propelled vessel not subject to inspection
- An incident resulting in the discharge of more than 10,000 gallons of oil in the navigable waters of the US
- A discharge of a hazardous substance into the navigable waters or the environment of the US
I Failed the Drug Test: How Do I Return to Duty?
1. Choose a DOT-Qualified Substance Abuse Professional
When you fail a USCG drug test, you’ll need to choose a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional (SAP).
Your employer will provide you with a list. You can also locate one through an online search.
2. Schedule your SAP Evaluation
When you locate a DOT-qualified SAP like American River Wellness, schedule your SAP evaluation.
We offer same-day and next-day availability, along with virtual appointments to make the process easier for you.
3. Attend the SAP Evaluation
Attend your SAP evaluation. During your appointment, the DOT-qualified SAP will ask you questions about your violation, your substance use history, and other contributing factors.
Based on their findings, your SAP will design a tailored treatment and education program to meet your needs.
4. Complete all Treatment and Education Recommendations
You must complete all of the treatment and education recommendations from your SAP, which might include:
- Drug education courses
- Outpatient substance abuse counseling
- Group counseling
- Inpatient rehabilitation (when necessary)
Your SAP will monitor your progress throughout your plan.
5. Attend the Follow-up SAP Evaluation
Once you’ve completed everything, you must meet with your SAP for a follow-up evaluation.
They will review your progress and determine whether you can now safely return to work.
6. Pass the Return-to-Duty Drug Test
You must take and pass a return-to-duty drug test administered at a DOT-approved collection site.
This test will be directly observed.
If you pass this test and your SAP is satisfied that you’re safe to return to work, they will send a report to the USCG and your employer.
If you fail or refuse, you’ll have to restart the RTD process.
7. Comply with Follow-up Testing
Your employer can choose whether to take you back. Whether you return to work with your former employer or are hired by a new marine employer, you’ll have to complete follow-up testing.
This involves taking at least six unannounced drug tests during your first year back.
Depending on the severity of your violation, you might have to take follow-up tests for up to five years.
Important Laws and Regulations
49 CFR Part 40
While the USCG has been part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security since 2003 (following 9/11), DHS and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) entered into a memorandum of agreement requiring employers and employees regulated by the USCG to comply with DOT’s drug and alcohol rules.
This means that you must comply with all of the rules found in 49 CFR Part 40.
46 CFR Part 16
The USCG has specific regulations for drug testing found in 46 CFR Part 16.
It’s important to understand these rules and your requirements as a credentialed mariner or crew member performing safety-sensitive work.
Trust American River Wellness to Help You Get Back to Work Fast
While failing a USCG drug test might feel overwhelming, you do have a path back to work as a mariner.
You should get started on the RTD process as soon as possible to return to your job.
American River Wellness is a DOT-qualified SAP and can help you with the USCG SAP program.
Contact us today to schedule your SAP evaluation online or by phone at (833) 436-8727.
DISCLAIMER: This information is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should not be interpreted as legal counsel or guidance.
FAQ
Under 46 CFR Part 16, § 16.230(e), the random drug testing rate for USCG crewmembers is a minimum of 50%.
Under subsection (f), this rate can only be lowered by the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard if testing data demonstrates the failed test rate was less than 1% for two consecutive years.
The rate for 2026 remains unchanged at 50%.
If you’re applying for a job regulated by the USCG, a USCG drug test administered within the previous six months can satisfy the pre-employment drug testing requirements per 49 CFR § 16.210(b)(1).
You can also have the pre-employment drug test waived if you participated in a random drug testing program under § 16.230 for at least 60 days with no failures or refusals during the previous 185 days.
You must take a drug test and submit results to the USCG at the following times:
– Your original issuance of a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC)
– Your first issuance, renewal of an officer endorsement, or a raise in grade of your MMC
– Any subsequent raise in the grade of your MMC
– Your first endorsement as an able seafarer, qualified member of the engine department, lifeboat operator, or tank vessel operator
– When you’re reissued a credential with a new expiration date
– When selected for a random test while participating in a random drug testing program
– After you’re involved in a serious marine incident (SMI) involving injury, death, or severe vessel damage
– If a pilot, annually as part of your required physical exam
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