What You Need to Know About Drug Testing for Captain’s Licenses

Navigating Drug Testing: Essential Information for Captain’s License Applicants

Which captain’s licenses require a drug test? 

A drug test is required for all Coast Guard captain's licenses, except for endorsements, duplicates, and Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) certificates. These drug tests are a part of the mariner credentialing process to ensure safety and compliance with federal regulations.

What kind of drug testing does the USCG use for a captain’s license? 

Only a DOT 5 Panel (SAMHSA 5 Panel, formerly NIDA 5) test documented on CG-719P for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, and amphetamines will be accepted for a captain’s license. Dangerous drugs, according to the Department of Transportation rules, are marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines.  

Only screenings that test for the five dangerous drugs are accepted. All tests must be conducted in accordance with the Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Programs (TWIC) in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations CFR Part 40. All qualifying random and periodic drug testing programs must also meet these requirements. 

What does the Coast Guard consider dangerous drugs? 

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), dangerous drugs are: 

• Marijuana 
• Cocaine 
• Opiates 
• Codeine
• Morphine C 
• 6-AM (heroin) 
• Phencyclidine (PCP) 
• Amphetamines 
• Amphetamine 
• Methamphetamine 
• MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) (ecstasy) 
• MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) 
• MDEA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine) 

When am I required to submit proof that I am free of dangerous drugs? 

Proof that you are free of dangerous drugs is required for all transactions EXCEPT increases of scope, duplicates, international endorsements (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping [STCW]), and Medical Certificates. 

Can I get a captain's license if I have a medical marijuana card? 

Even if you have a medical marijuana card in your state, you will not be able to obtain a captain's license unless you test negative for marijuana during your DOT-approved standard 5-panel drug urine test. This is because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) follows federal regulations. 

Additionally, if you plan on using your license professionally, you will need to be enrolled in a random drug testing program, which will also test for marijuana.

Is it a urine or blood sample for the captain's license drug test?

The drug test required for a captain's license is a urine sample. The test follows the DOT 5-Panel drug testing standards and screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines. Blood tests are not required for this specific drug screening.

Do I need a drug test to renew my captain’s license? 

A drug test is required for a captain’s license renewal unless you are renewing sailing or assistance towing endorsements, duplicates, or STCW certificates. The specifications are the same as when you apply for a new captain’s license. 

What happens if I fail my USCG captain’s license drug test? 

You cannot be awarded a USCG captain's license if you fail or do not complete the required drug testing. Once you get your license, a positive drug test will result in removal from your crew duties that directly affect the safe operation of a vessel. 

Mariners who fail drug tests may opt to go to a Suspension and Revocation (S&R) hearing in front of a federal Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The hearing is administrative and concerns only the mariner’s right to continued use of a Coast Guard-issued license or MMD.

Take a look over this PDF regarding convictions and their assessment periods.