PRINCIPLE
ADNATCO is committed to prevention of drugs and alcohol abuse. This Policy is an integral part of the Company’s Environmental, Health & Safety Policy the purpose of which is to ensure the safety of all persons, ship and its equipment, customer’s property, and prevent damage to environment by proper control of drug abuse and consumption of alcohol on board Company vessels. In this respect Company must be able to demonstrate at all times that its employees and contractors are free from the effects of drugs and alcohol.
The Drugs and Alcohol Abuse Policy arises out of recognition that efficiency is impaired and safety endangered by use of drugs and consumption of alcohol.
This Policy applies to all personnel employed on vessels Managed, Owned and Operated by ADNATCO, and all persons contracted to perform duties on those vessels. It also applies to all Company personnel, supernumeraries or visitors to the vessel.
DRUG ABUSE POLICY
The use and possession of any drug unless medically prescribed by a doctor is strictly prohibited onboard any company vessel or when on company business.
The unlawful distribution of any drugs onboard any Company vessel or whilst engaged in Company business is strictly prohibited.
The use of any drug prescribed by a doctor must be declared to the Company prior employment and to the Master on joining the vessel. Personnel should be aware that use of prescribed drugs may impair a person’s mental and / or physical ability to safely perform his duties without endangering the safety of others onboard. The Company reserves the right to consult with its Doctors before employing such seafarers.
Any person found unlawfully in possession of, abusing the use of, or handling and distributing drugs, shall have their employment immediately terminated and reported to the appropriate authorities where they may face prosecution under applicable national law.
For purposes of employees the, unlawful drugs may be such drugs as, but not limited to, Marijuana, Opium and derivatives (Heroin), Cocaine, Lysergic Acid (LSD), Amphetamines and Phencyclidine (PCP).
ALCOHOL POLICY
The Company Policy for the fleet is a ‘DRY SHIP’ Policy and no alcoholic beverages are permitted to be taken onboard any of the Company’s vessels by anyone or from any source whatsoever. While this does not preclude the consumption of alcohol while ashore, Company Policy requires that Ship’s personnel must not join or return to the vessel from shore leave with a detectable blood alcohol concentration. They are further warned that they may be subjected to a breathalyzer test for alcohol.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING
It is a precondition for employment on ADNATCO ships that all persons agree to:
Pre-employment medical examination, including blood and urine tests for drug use and or alcohol abuse
Cooperate fully with the Company’s random screening programme carried out by Company contracted doctors or professionals, for drug use and alcohol abuse.
Screening for drug use and alcohol abuse where it is required by local or national laws.
To submit to random tests, using alcohol testing devices placed onboard, to ensure that Company Drugs and Alcohol Abuse Policy is being observed. When such random testing shall be done will be determined by the Company.
Be tested following any accident. Such testing is mandatory in certain jurisdictions and the seafarer is warned that the standards may vary as regards what levels of alcohol may impair a person’s abilities to carryout his duties. It is also to be noted that penalties for operating a vessel whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be a fine or imprisonment or both. (By “operating” it is meant that the person is carrying out his allocated duties onboard the ship).
The seafarer acknowledges that he has understood the above Policy and consents to fully cooperate and abide by the Policy. That any refusal to undergo tests or tampering with the samples will constitute gross misconduct and grounds for immediate dismissal. He has agreed to disclosure of results to ADNATCO and to any other authorities as may be required by any law of that jurisdiction
APPLICATION OF THE POLICY
Master does not have the authority to relax or alter the ADNATCO Drugs and Alcohol Abuse Policy.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Policy the Master and the Management of ADNATCO have the powers to terminate the employment of any person who has tested positive to any of the tests, including random tests, or whom he believes beyond a reasonable doubt, to be incapacitated through the abuse of drug or alcohol.
SEAFARERS RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the duty of the every seafarer that he does not handover watch or permit any person who appears to be under the influence of alcohol to carryout any duties. Instead the person is to be reported to the Master, who shall take appropriate action in the best interest of safety of ships complement and protection of the environment.
Where any doubt exists as to the Master’s ability to perform his duties through impairment by alcohol, then the Chief Officer and Chief Engineer Officer must jointly assess the need for the Master to be breathalysed, and if the test indicates excess levels of blood alcohol, which would lead to impairment, then ADNATCO must be immediately advised and the Chief Officer should assume command in the interim.
Every seafarer must understand that he is under a moral and legal obligation to ensure that persons with “impaired” ability from drug or alcohol abuse are not allowed to endanger the safety of others onboard or cause damage to environment and property. Protection of Human Life and Environment are above all other considerations.
