The United States Coast Guard or USCG is regulated by the Department of Homeland Security, formally regulated by the Department of Transportation or DOT. Even though USCG does not fall under direct DOT authority, Coast Guard employers and covered employees still follow DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations 49 CFR Part 40. Under these regulations, Coast Guard employers and covered employees are required to adhere to all DOT drug testing including for pre-employment, random, post-accident and more. This testing must be a DOT 5 panel urine drug test and testing must be performed by a SAMHSA certified laboratory. For more information, contact US Drug Test Centers today!
The United States Coast Guard or USCG is regulated by the Department of Homeland Security in connection with the Department of Transporation or DOT and follows all standard DOT drug testing rules and regulations. One primary regulation includes being enrolled in a random consortium. All USCG covered employers and employees performing safety sensitive functions are required to be enrolled in a random drug testing pool (also called a consortium), eligible for random selections throughout 4 quarters of the year. This random drug testing pool must meet a requirement of 50% drug testing annually. For more information, contact US Drug Test Centers today!
The US Coast Guard 719P form is used to record and document a required Coast Guard DOT 5 panel drug test when applying to the Merchant Marines or when obtaining or renewing your Captain's License. US Drug Test Centers makes the process seamless! When you complete your required DOT 5 panel drug test with US Drug Test Centers, you do not need to bring a blank 719P form with you. Our Medical Review Officer or MRO will sign and complete a 719P form once your drug test results are reviewed and finalized and we will deliver the form to you via email along with your completed test results. For more information, contact US Drug Test Centers today!
Last Updated: December 14, 2023
Let's talk more about a USCG drug consortium.
Employers regulated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) are required under Homeland Security regulations to maintain a drug and alcohol testing program. Formerly under the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Coast Guard employers followed DOT 49 CFR Part 40. They still do follow these DOT regulations under a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation.
Those applying for a Captain's license or other merchant mariner credentials need initial USCG drug testing and a periodic USCG drug test every two years. You will also need the USCG captain's license drug test. Only a DOT 5 Panel (SAMHSA 5 Panel, formerly NIDA 5), testing for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines will be accepted. If you've ever wondered, "Where can I find a merchant mariner drug test near me?" we can help!
The laboratory the specimen will be sent to must be accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the final drug test results must be signed by a Certified Medical Review Officer (MRO).
The purpose of the US Coast Guard drug test and drug and alcohol testing program regulations is to provide a means to deter the illegal use of controlled substances by merchant marine personnel and to promote a drug-free and safe work environment for the safe passage of embarked passengers and for carriage of cargo on U.S. waterways.
Enforcement of these regulations by the U.S. Coast Guard is necessary to ensure that marine employers have taken the necessary steps to have a safe and drug-free working environment by conducting testing when required and in the manner described in the regulations. The marine employer must develop a program that serves as a strong deterrent to the illegal use of controlled substances by covered crewmembers and that promotes a safe, drug-free workplace.
The regulations involved for marine employers and the merchant marine drug test are as follows:
At US Drug Test Centers, we have customer service representatives standing by to assist you. We have more than 20,000 testing centers throughout the United States. Call 866-566-0261 or order your test online today!
All marine employers, when planning to start or do a drug test program, are, by necessity, required to do business with a service agent. A service agent is a business entity that will provide one or more drug testing service packages to aid employers with compliance. Two primary service agents are the SAMHSA accredited labs where the specimens are analyzed and the Medical Review Officers (MRO), who have to receive the drug test results from the lab, review the test results, conduct interviews as necessary, and report the drug test results to an authorized receiving individual.
A collection site, considered to be a service agent, is where the specimens are collected. If an individual tests positive or has a drug test violation, they are required to see a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who is also a service agent. Another service agent who can provide many or most of the above services is a Consortia/Third Party Administrator (C/TPA).
Always select a company with experience to provide a professional drug and alcohol testing program. Hiring the local urgent clinic is not a good idea. US Drug Test Centers has experience and can provide a full-service program that keeps you in compliance with the regulations. A common misconception is that the Coast Guard approves service agents that provide services to regulated marine employers. The Coast Guard does not approve service agents.
There are many aspects of your program for you to consider so that you are in compliance, these include:
A Consortium/Third Party Administrator (C/TPA) like US Drug Test Centers can help you put this all together. US Drug Test Centers will assist you if you have an audit with your drug and alcohol testing program. A nationwide C/TPA, US Drug Test Centers provides services in all areas of the United States.
Staying compliant with the regulations and complying with the USCG DOT drug test requires great record keeping. To avoid noncompliance and fines, the marine employer must have good records and a written drug and alcohol program. The marine employer’s written drug and alcohol program must address the specific processes, methods, and resources the marine employer intends to use to comply with the provisions set forth in the regulations. The written program tells how the company will comply with the regulations.
A marine employer’s proof that they are complying with the regulations is in the form of paper records. In other words, a company has done all of the required testing, is now being audited by the Coast Guard, and needs to provide records showing compliance.
The Coast Guard drug testing program is serious business. Be prepared and follow the items below to be ready to successfully pass an audit of your program.
Ready to take the next step? We can help! Call us at 866-566-0261 or order your test online!
Coast Guard Drug Test – Form CG-719P
The Coast Guard form 719P is used to document your required Coast Guard drug test for all original, renewal, and the following raise of grade transactions (any officer endorsement or first qualified rating endorsement). The chemical test report must be dated within six (6) months of your application. A letter from your marine employer or chemical testing consortium group, on company letterhead, may be used in lieu of this form. This type of drug testing under Coast Guard regulations is called a Periodic Test and is classified as Other: Periodic on the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control form.
The required test using the CG-719P form is for people applying to the Merchant Marines and for those obtaining or renewing their Captain's License. Upon completion of your drug test, the Medical Review Officer will complete the CG-719P and it will be forwarded to you for submission to the Coast Guard.
When utilizing US Drug Test Centers, you will not need to bring a CG-719P form. Our service includes providing this form. Our MRO department will get it all completed for you. We will provide you with the correct drug test to comply with Coast Guard regulations. The test must be a DOT 5 Panel Drug Test with testing performed at a SAMHSA-certified laboratory. As specified in DOT regulations 49 CFR Part 40 with the Cut Off levels listed in DOT regulations 49 CFR Part 40, the following substances will be tested for:
The periodic drug testing form CG-719P is what documents your compliance with the Coast Guard drug testing requirements. At US Drug Test Centers, there is no hassle with the drug test. We provide the drug test location, certified results, and the completion of the drug testing form CG-719P.
The National Maritime Center reports that a drug test is required for all transactions EXCEPT increases of scope, duplicates, and International Endorsements (STCW). In order to meet drug testing requirements, you must choose and provide one of the below options.
Periodic tests are considered the responsibility of individual mariners and not the employer. They are done for various transactions that involve licenses including CORs, or MMDs. The Coast Guard regional center must receive the test results at the time of the transaction. A drug test is required for a captain’s license renewal unless you are renewing sailing or assistance towing endorsements, duplicates, or STCW certificates. The specifications are the same as when you apply for a new captain’s license.
In summary, Periodic tests must be conducted at the same time that physical exams are given and Coast Guard licenses are renewed. The US Drug Test Centers Coast Guard Consortium conducts all periodic tests at your local collection site. As long as you have been enrolled in a consortium random testing program for 60 days, you are exempt from a periodic test, and US Drug Test Centers will provide you a letter to provide to the Coast Guard upon license renewal.
Violations of the regulations are serious business. The following enforcement actions may be taken for noncompliance with the Coast Guard chemical testing regulations:
Noncompliance can lead to serious consequences for your business. Take the proper steps now for compliance with the USCG required drug and alcohol testing program. Have you wondered, "Where is there a USCG drug test near me? Where can I find Coast Guard approved drug testing facilities near me?" Contact US Drug Test Centers for expert assistance to comply.