The following is the text of a news release from the National Maritime Center (NMC):
(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 10 requires that all applicants for the original issuance or renewal of a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and applicants seeking certain raises in grade or new endorsements must provide evidence of having passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs or meet the requirements for an exemption from testing in accordance with 46 CFR 16.220. If an applicant fails to meet this requirement, the Coast Guard will not issue the MMC. To meet this requirement, applicants may submit one of the following:
(1) A completed drug test form (Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form or CG-719P) signed by the medical review officer (MRO) showing the applicant has passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs. Passing a chemical test for dangerous drugs means that the result of a chemical test conducted according to 49 CFR part 40 was reported as ‘‘negative’’ by an MRO. The National Maritime Center will not accept any other chemical test result including “negative – dilute."
(2) A letter on company or consortium stationery signed by an authorized official that administers the drug testing program stating that the applicant passed a test for dangerous drugs within the previous six months with no subsequent positive drug tests during the remainder of the six-month period.
(3) A letter on company or consortium stationery signed by an authorized official that administers the drug-testing program stating that the applicant has been subject to random drug testing for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days, has not failed any tests, and has not refused to participate in any required test.
(4) Active-duty or reserve military members may provide a letter from their command stating that they have passed a required chemical test for dangerous drugs within the previous six months. Active-duty military members may also provide a letter from their command stating that they have been subject to random drug testing for the past six months and have not failed any tests. Random testing letters are not accepted for reserve military members.
(5) Civilian government mariners with the Military Sealift Command, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may provide a letter from their command or headquarters as proof that they have been enrolled in a bona fide drug-testing program and have been subject to random drug testing for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days. The letter must also certify that the mariner has not failed or refused participation in a chemical test for dangerous drugs.
Have questions or comments? Contact the NMC by using online chat, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-I-ASK-NMC (427-5662).