Piss test question

[injunear]

11 years ago, this guy failed his SIU piss test. He was using the same drug screen for his Z-card and the CG did not issue his papers. He never did follow up. Now he wants to work as a fishing guide. What hoops will he have to jump through before he is allowed to test for OUPV?

[seadog!]

I'd bet he will have to prove completion of a rehab program, paid for out of his own pocket.

[Cal]

Here is a place to start 46 CFR 16.201. In particular paragraph (f), but follow all other referenced CFR's. Probably wouldn't be an issue this long after the positive test.

[captbbrucato]

Here is a place to start 46 CFR 16.201. In particular paragraph (f), but follow all other referenced CFR's. Probably wouldn't be an issue this long after the positive test.

Of course if he's had any DUI/DWI's since he was popped, he may need to do more than jump through a couple of hoops. I'm aware of one licensed individual who popped for weed and had to put in for a full year of regular and random testing and proof of a stint in an approved rehab program. He did get his ticket back.

[jdcavo]

I'd bet he will have to prove completion of a rehab program, paid for out of his own pocket.

Possibly. See 46 CFR 10.211(l):
If an applicant has one or more alcohol or dangerous drug related criminal or NDR-listed convictions, if the applicant has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug, or if the applicant applies before the minimum assessment period has elapsed for his or her conviction, the Coast Guard may consider the following factors, as applicable, in assessing the applicant's suitability to hold an MMC. This list is intended as a guide for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may consider other factors appropriate to a particular applicant, such as:
(1) Proof of completion of an accredited alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;
(2) Active membership in a rehabilitation or counseling group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous;
(3) Character references from persons who can attest to the applicant's sobriety, reliability, and suitability for employment in the merchant marine including parole or probation officers;
(4) Steady employment; and
(5) Successful completion of all conditions of parole or probation.
[emphasis added]

[injunear]

Possibly. See 46 CFR 10.211(l):
If an applicant has one or more alcohol or dangerous drug related criminal or NDR-listed convictions, if the applicant has ever been the user of, or addicted to the use of, a dangerous drug, or if the applicant applies before the minimum assessment period has elapsed for his or her conviction, the Coast Guard may consider the following factors, as applicable, in assessing the applicant's suitability to hold an MMC. This list is intended as a guide for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may consider other factors appropriate to a particular applicant, such as:
(1) Proof of completion of an accredited alcohol or drug abuse rehabilitation program;
(2) Active membership in a rehabilitation or counseling group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous;
(3) Character references from persons who can attest to the applicant's sobriety, reliability, and suitability for employment in the merchant marine including parole or probation officers;
(4) Steady employment; and
(5) Successful completion of all conditions of parole or probation.
[emphasis added]

I've seen guys over the years that failed their piss test surrender their papers, go to the "farm" at Piney point and go through a piss test regiment to sail again. I was curious as he never received his Z-card and it has been over 10 years.

With all of the variables, would the best path of action be to submit a letter of inquirey to the NMC? And if so, to who in particular?
Thanks

[dougpine]

On a related note, one of the guys at Anchorage REC told me last week that in Section III of the application, you can, once again, write "see file" if you have to answer "yes" to any of the questions UNLESS you have to answer yes based on information since your last application. Something about the contract workers who process the applications not being privy to your entire life's history of boo-boos. What say you, Mr. Cavo?

[jdcavo]

On a related note, one of the guys at Anchorage REC told me last week that in Section III of the application, you can, once again, write "see file" if you have to answer "yes" to any of the questions UNLESS you have to answer yes based on information since your last application. Something about the contract workers who process the applications not being privy to your entire life's history of boo-boos. What say you, Mr. Cavo?

I don't know what access the contractors have, but the evaluators were recently made regular ("GS") employees, and before that happened, on my own renewal this Spring, a contractor wanted all kinds of medical info for something I don't have, based on an out of context note on my last renewal application in 2005. So that contractor definitely had access to my old records.

[dougpine]

I'm thrilled to hear that they've become regular employees. I would hope that by doing so, they will develop more of a sense of permanence and ownership in the process, and the net result will be better service for us. I've also heard through the grapevine that a certain someone is going to be filling the billet supervising the call center. I look forward to that, and hope it results in positive moves.

[shipmate 1]

Bring on Cavo!! Shipmate 1

[dougpine]

The "certain someone" isn't Mr. Cavo.

[jdcavo]

Bring on Cavo!! Shipmate 1

No thanks. I left there 2 years ago and haven;'t looked back.