Drug Tests For Offshore Oil Rig Work

[domer]

I was wondering if the random drug test / drug screening done offshore meet the USCG requirements? I'm betting they exceed them, but can anyone give details on the frequency of testing, they type of tests given, etc?

[Boatahaulic]

I have been told that most company's especially Company's that deal with petroleum products, are going to hair folicle testing. The standard for this testing will detect drug use back 3months when they test the first 1.5 inches of hair. However the test will detect drug use up to 1 year. .5 inches of hair = 1month. I don't know how this will jive with the Coast Guard since their policy is specific for a DOT drug test, maybe someone else can answer on that

[Conspearasea]

Typically a letter written on Company letterhead that states you are subject to random testing and have been tested in the last 180 days, will satisfy the CG requirements for your application. It does need to be specifically worded, so be sure that your letter is written properly. I used a company letter in lieu of taking another drug screen when I did a recent RIG to 500 Master NC w/ no problems from the CG. The CG application checklists or websites have info on how they should be worded.

HTH

[john]

I have been told that most company's especially Company's that deal with petroleum products, are going to hair folicle testing. The standard for this testing will detect drug use back 3months when they test the first 1.5 inches of hair. However the test will detect drug use up to 1 year. .5 inches of hair = 1month. I don't know how this will jive with the Coast Guard since their policy is specific for a DOT drug test, maybe someone else can answer on that

All the deepwater drilling companies use the same doctor in Houston and, last week, I visited him for shots to go overseas... In addition to the shots they did both a urine analysis and took a hair sample from me. So I asked the nurse if my company was alone in requiring hair samples and she said yes and that the other companies have no plans to start testing hair anytime soon.

[Emaren]

All the deepwater drilling companies use the same doctor in Houston and, last week, I visited him for shots to go overseas... In addition to the shots they did both a urine analysis and took a hair sample from me. So I asked the nurse if my company was alone in requiring hair samples and she said yes and that the other companies have no plans to start testing hair anytime soon.

Any chance that company was Transocean?

[PDCMATE]

Any chance that company was Transocean?

Pacific Drilling does hair testing, Pride/Ensco does as well. I believe this will become the standard for pre-employment, once you are hired you will be enrolled in the onboard random drug testing (urine) program. Just because the USCG has a lower standard, doesn't mean the companies have to abide by them, especially if they are hiring people to run their $700 million dollar drilling rigs!

[Xavier6162]

What happens if you don't hair? Well...none on my head. Will they really go as far as testing my short (less than .5 inch) "Private" hairs?

[PDCMATE]

What happens if you don't hair? Well...none on my head. Will they really go as far as testing my short (less than .5 inch) "Private" hairs?

Yes, they will find some hair somewhere on your body. And if you shave everything off, I have heard them fire people or pull their offers back.

[powerabout]

I was talking to a DP barge operator the other day and he said in NY they had to have a union crane driver so he says ok, same day USCG come on board for a drug test
He and his crew say ok but crane driver says our union is exempt and refuses..Captain throws crane driver off the barge and now its in stalemate

[Bouchard Captain]

Well usually people that ask these type of questions have a drug habit, but at my company we have the basic urine testing and breathalyzer as well...
It seems the more responsibility that you have the more thorough the testing and the frequency thereof, for example LNG ships....
all but gone are the days where as soon as you get home you start using (marijuana, heroin,cocaine, LSD, PCP, etc) and quit using drugs two days before you ship out again.... best to stay with the usual seaman staples of beer and whiskey....= no drug testing worries......

[cmakin]

Well usually people that ask these type of questions have a drug habit, but at my company we have the basic urine testing and breathalyzer as well...
It seems the more responsibility that you have the more thorough the testing and the frequency thereof, for example LNG ships....
all but gone are the days where as soon as you get home you start using (marijuana, heroin,cocaine, LSD, PCP, etc) and quit using drugs two days before you ship out again.... best to stay with the usual seaman staples of beer and whiskey....= no drug testing worries......

A toast to your wisdom.

[Bayrunner]

Well usually people that ask these type of questions have a drug habit, but at my company we have the basic urine testing and breathalyzer as well...

Does morty calibrate them himself???

[tengineer]

All the deepwater drilling companies use the same doctor in Houston and, last week, I visited him for shots to go overseas... In addition to the shots they did both a urine analysis and took a hair sample from me. So I asked the nurse if my company was alone in requiring hair samples and she said yes and that the other companies have no plans to start testing hair anytime soon.

Oh, the hair testing is coming; it's the latest thing. Perhaps the industry will soon be populated by the Amish, Mormons, Muslims etc.
Perhaps one day they'll require something really useful to prevent accidents and blowouts. Something that would be more valuable than knowing if a guy smoked a joint 6 months ago. A basic intelligence test and psychological test that would would weed out the ignorant and psychologically incompetent. Self important morons that sell their souls for the next bonus or brownie point cause more damage than the occasional drunk or dope smoker. While neither is acceptable you can send a drunk or druggie off to treatment and get them fixed but you can't fix stupid.
tengineer

[type2msd]

Just go to Amsterdam and enjoy yourself!



(they'll never know!!)

[cmakin]

Oh, the hair testing is coming; it's the latest thing. Perhaps the industry will soon be populated by the Amish, Mormons, Muslims etc.
Perhaps one day they'll require something really useful to prevent accidents and blowouts. Something that would be more valuable than knowing if a guy smoked a joint 6 months ago. A basic intelligence test and psychological test that would would weed out the ignorant and psychologically incompetent. Self important morons that sell their souls for the next bonus or brownie point cause more damage than the occasional drunk or dope smoker. While neither is acceptable you can send a drunk or druggie off to treatment and get them fixed but you can't fix stupid.
tengineer

Yeah, stupid never goes into remission.