THE CLUB CONTINUES TO SEE INCIDENTS WHERE THE USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS HAS BEEN A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IS A PROBLEM THA T AFFECTS ALL INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING SHIPPING. HOWEVER, THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY CAN BE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE WORK. THE LONG HOURS, ISOLATION AND HIGHSTRESS LEVELS EXPERIENCED BY MANY SEAFARERS ARE ALL FACTORS THAT CAN LEAD TO ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE. DRUG+ALCOHOL RELATED INCIDENTS THE USE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL CAN IMPAIR A SEAFARER’S JUDGEMENT AND ABILITY TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY. IN SOME CASES IT CAN LEAD TO INCIDENTS, INJURIES AND EVEN FATALITIES. ALSO DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE CAN LEAD TO DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS, ABSENTEEISM AND REDUCED PRODUCTIVITY, ALL OF WHICH CAN HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE CREW AND THE VESSEL. While the misuse of legal drugs, or the use or possession of illicit or non-prescription drugs is prohibited, alcohol may still be consumed on some ships. The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) STCW 1 convention requires companies to implement a clearly written drug and alcohol policy. Given the obvious safety risk posed by alcohol consumption, many shipowners have implemented a strict no alcohol policy on board. However, it should also be recognised that for many seafarers relaxing over a beer or a glass wine is an essential part of their social environment on board. Therefore, there is a balance to be struck when a shipowner formulates its alcohol policy. Whilst banning alcohol may enhance safety, it may also comprise a seafarer’s wellbeing which can have other serious consequences beyond safety concerns. 1 Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 Reg. VIII/1 POST INCIDENT TESTING As part of a company’s incident investigation procedure the requirements for post incident alcohol and drug testing should be defined. Determining whether a casualty, as well as others involved in an incident, were under the influence of alcohol at the time may provide valuable evidence in determining the contributing factors of an incident. However, such testing should be conducted appropriately and without compromising any first aid treatment required. CONCLUSION Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious problem that can have significant consequences for the safety of the crew, the vessel and the environment. Whilst the shipping industry has recognised this and taken steps to address it, incidents still occur. To further address this issue, there needs to be a greater focus on prevention. This includes increasing awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse among seafarers, providing education, training and promoting a culture of drug and alcoholfree work environments. Some shipowners have established drug and alcohol counselling and rehabilitation programmes. These programmes provide anonymous support and assistance to seafarers who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. However, what is also important is to ensure the wellbeing of seafarers. If alcohol is banned on board, introducing other social activities will be essential in preventing seafarers from becoming bored or stressed. If social interaction is missing this could lead to seafarers being tempted by alcohol or drugs to escape the boredom. BRITANNIA P&I ONBOARD SAFETY DRUGS AND ALCOHOL M AY IMPAIR JUDGEMENT GUIDANCE ON DRUGS & ALCOHOL britanniapandi.com/topic/drugsandalcohol RESPECT YOUR COMPANY’S