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by Bob Figular August 14, 2024
Click below to download the drug testing form 👇
DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Testing Form (CG-719P)
Form CG-719P is used to document the DOT-approved drug testing results and is completed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO). This form ensures that mariners comply with the drug testing requirements set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for safety-sensitive positions, including those required for obtaining and maintaining a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
To complete the form, use an Adobe PDF application. Alternatively, you can print the form, manually fill it out, scan it back into a PDF format, and save the file with the appropriate name.
Once completed, save the document to your desktop using the following file name format: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_MARINER REFERENCE NUMBER (Note: Original applicants will not have a Mariner Reference Number yet).
A drug test is required for all transactions except for documents of continuity modifications (increases of scope), duplicates, and International Endorsements (STCW). These exceptions do not require a drug test as part of the application process for obtaining or renewing a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
To meet drug testing requirements, you must choose and provide one of the below options.
This option requires you to provide the results of an approved drug test. This test MUST be the following:
You are not required to use the CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form. However, it is useful in ensuring that all information needed is provided. The National Maritime Center will also accept letters or a Federal Chain of Custody form as long as all the information above is provided.
This option requires you to provide a letter attesting to participation in random drug testing programs. The letter must be the following:
The National Maritime Center (NMC) will accept letters from valid consortiums to meet this requirement. The NMC will NOT accept drug testing letters from a Union attesting to participation in a random drug testing program.
This option requires you to provide a letter attesting to pre-employment drug testing. The letter must be the following:
📽️ Take a few moments to review this video on drug testing.
To find a drug testing facility that meets Coast Guard requirements, you have two options:
Use Your Favorite Search Engine: Simply search for a local DOT-approved drug testing facility
Use the DOT Collection Site Locator by Foley: Follow these steps to find a certified facility:
Important Information to Verify with the Facility:
⚠ DISCLAIMER: The Foley DOT Collection Site Locator directory is not maintained by the federal government or Mariners Learning System. It is provided to mariners as a convenience for informational purposes only. Mariners are advised to contact the testing facility of their choice directly to ensure it meets their needs as well as all Coast Guard requirements. The Coast Guard and Mariners Learning System do not recommend or endorse any provider.
RECs are not approved drug testing facilities and cannot complete the drug testing. You will need to visit a DOT-approved drug testing facility to meet the necessary requirements.
The Chain of Custody form can be obtained from your marine employer or the facility approved to perform a 5-Panel DOT drug test.
Some items to look out for are:
You must have taken and passed an approved Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test within six months of applying for your captain’s license or provide proof of your active participation in a DOT-approved random drug testing program.
After taking the drug test or having the specimen collected, follow these steps:
Receive Copy 5 (Donor’s Copy): You should be given a receipt of the drug test, which is Copy 5. This is your proof that you took the test; however, it does not contain the test results.
Test Results Availability: The results should be available approximately 24 to 48 hours after your specimen is collected. Confirm the exact timing with the facility you went to.
Submit Results with Application: Once the test results are available, include the results in your application packet.
Acceptable Proof of Drug Test Result: One of the following will serve as acceptable proof of your drug test results:
For any questions or assistance, contact the National Maritime Center customer service center at (888) 427-5662.
The NMC will accept test results from the mariner or the facility where the testing took place, but the mariner is ultimately responsible for ensuring that drug testing results are received by the National Maritime Center. If the results are being submitted as part of an application, the results should be sent to the National Maritime Center with all other forms. If the results are being submitted after receiving an awaiting information letter from a National Maritime Center, the results should be submitted based on the instructions provided.
💡 TIP! Your drug test is SELF-PAID. You are paying for yourself to get a drug test, and the results will be sent back to you once Form CG-719P is completed by the MRO.
To ensure that a drug testing facility meets all Coast Guard requirements, follow these steps to verify the certification of the Medical Review Officer (MRO) and the laboratory's accreditation:
Verify MRO Certification:
Verify Laboratory Certification:
The drug testing provider should offer comprehensive services, including specimen collection, analysis at a SAMHSA-accredited laboratory, and MRO services to review the results. Always verify these aspects to ensure compliance with Coast Guard regulations.
To get the license, you just need to do the DOT 5 Panel Test. If you are going to be working professionally, you will need to be enrolled in a random drug testing program.
Per 46 CFR 16.201(c), positive drug test results MUST be reported to your local Coast Guard Sector. The local sector will determine what actions need to be taken. A positive drug test can result in an assessment period that may result in the Coast Guard not issuing your renewal.
The DOT is required by the Omnibus Transportation Employees Testing Act to follow the Health and Human Services (HHS) requirements. As of October 1, 2010, HHS will only allow 5-panel drug tests.
The requirement for a 5-panel drug test is based on regulations established by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in compliance with the Omnibus Transportation Employees Testing Act. Under this act, the DOT is required to follow guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
As of October 1, 2010, HHS only allows 5-panel drug tests for DOT drug testing programs. This is why a 7- or 10-panel drug test cannot be submitted for compliance with the Coast Guard's drug testing requirements, as only the 5-panel test is considered acceptable under these federal regulations.
Even if marijuana is legal for recreational use in your state, it is important to note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, which governs the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) process. The Coast Guard is required to comply with federal regulations, including those outlined in 46 CFR 10.211, which determines the suitability of individuals to hold an MMC.
Having a valid captain's license does not automatically require you to be enrolled in a random drug testing program. However, if you are actively operating a vessel professionally, you must be part of a USCG-approved random drug testing program.
Founder & President | Mariners Learning System
Captain Robert "Bob" Figular is the founder of Mariners Learning System, an innovative online education provider for aspiring boat captains. A former United States Navy Petty Officer turned world sailor, Captain Bob's multi-year voyages around the world inspired him to revolutionize maritime education. In 2002, he established Mariners Learning System, which became the first U.S. Coast Guard-approved online course provider for captain's licenses. With a USCG Master’s License and a passion for accessible, comprehensive boating education, Bob continues to lead Mariners Learning System in equipping students with essential knowledge and skills for safe, confident operation and navigation.
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