QUESTION 3.4.2

Drug and alcohol prevention controls

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What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether a clear drug and alcohol policy is understood, testing and custody processes are controlled, limits are applied consistently and no person performs safety-critical work while impaired.

Ready onboard

0/7 complete

POLICYThe policy states prohibitions, alcohol limits, testing circumstances, medicines and consequences.AWARENESSCrew understand pre-duty restrictions and their duty to report impairment or medication effects.TEST EQUIPMENTOnboard alcohol-testing equipment is functional, calibrated or verified and used by trained personnel.TESTINGPre-joining, random, post-incident or for-cause testing follows company and legal requirements.CUSTODYDrug-testing samples and records follow controlled chain-of-custody and confidentiality.MEDICINESPrescription and over-the-counter medicines affecting fitness are assessed.RESPONSEA suspected impaired person is removed from duty safely and managed under medical and company procedures.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1What alcohol limit and pre-duty restriction apply here?

State the stricter applicable company, flag, STCW, port or terminal requirement.

2How do you verify the breathalyser is reliable?

Show device identity, checks or calibration, consumables, instructions and trained-user records.

3What do you do if someone may be impaired before watch?

Prevent the person taking duty, protect safety, notify command and follow testing, medical and company procedures.

4How are prescribed medicines managed?

The seafarer reports relevant medication confidentially and medical advice determines fitness and restrictions.

5Who may access test results?

Only authorised persons under company, legal and medical confidentiality controls.

Where an observation may arise

POLICY UNKNOWN

Crew cannot explain limits or pre-duty restrictions.

UNRELIABLE TEST

Testing equipment is expired, defective or improperly used.

IMPAIRED DUTY

A person performs safety-critical work while impaired.

NO RESPONSE

Suspicion or a positive result is not managed under procedure.

MEDICATION

Fitness effects of medication are ignored.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Sensitive results are exposed or uncontrolled.

Master's practical note

Test knowledge around the watch change, not only the written limit. The operational control is whether an impaired person can be identified and removed before taking a critical duty.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Apply the strictest relevant company, flag, STCW, coastal-state and terminal requirement. Testing must also comply with applicable privacy, employment and medical law.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 3.4.2
STCW Code section A-VIII/1
ILO/IMO Guidelines for the Conduct of Pre-sea and Periodic Medical Fitness Examinations for Seafarers
OCIMF drug and alcohol policy guidance

Last reviewed: 2026-09-10