Form CG-719P: DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Testing

Understanding Form CG-719P: DOT-Approved Drug Testing

Click below to download the drug testing form 👇 

DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Testing Form (CG-719P)

What is the CG-719P form?

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). 

How do I complete this form?

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_CG719P. While this file-naming is not required, we recommend it to keep all your documents organized. 

(Note: Original applicants will not have a Mariner Reference Number yet.) 

Who needs to complete the DOT-approved drug test? 

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). 

How does an applicant show they met the drug testing requirements?  

To meet drug testing requirements, you must choose and provide one of the following options.  

Option One 

This option requires you to provide the results of an approved drug test. This test MUST be the following: 

• Conducted within the past 185 days (from the date of application) 
• Sent to a laboratory accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 
• A DOT 5 Panel testing for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, and amphetamines 
• Signed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) approved through AAMRO or MROCC 
• A negative result (if the result is a negative dilute) will NOT be accepted 

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. When using either of these two documentation options, you must ensure that all required information is included. 

Option Two 

This option requires you to provide a letter attesting to participation in random drug testing programs. The letter must be the following: 

• Provided on marine employer stationary OR for Active-Duty Military, on command letterhead 
• Written to include the following verbiage: 
  • From Marine Employers: APPLICANT’S NAME / SSN has been subject to a random testing program meeting the criteria of Title 46 CFR 16.230 for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days and has not failed nor refused to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs
  • Active-Duty Military/Military Sealift Command/N.O.A.A./ Army Corps of Engineers: APPLICANT’S NAME / SSN has been subject to a random testing program and has never refused to participate in or failed a chemical drug test for dangerous drugs 
• Signed by the appropriate personnel

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. 

Option Three 

This option requires you to provide a letter attesting to pre-employment drug testing. The letter must be the following: 

• Dated within the past 185 days (from the date of application) 
• Provided on marine employer stationary 
• Written to include the following verbiage: 
  • APPLICANT’S NAME / SSN passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs, required under Title 46 CFR 16.210 within the previous six months of the date of this letter with no subsequent positive drug test results during the remainder of the six months
• Signed by a company official 

📽️ Take a few moments to review this video on drug testing. 

How do I locate an approved drug testing facility? 

To find a drug testing facility that meets Coast Guard requirements, you have two options:

1. Use Your Favorite Search Engine: Simply search for a local DOT-approved drug testing facility

2. Use the DOT Collection Site Locator by Foley: Follow these steps to find a certified facility:

   • Visit the Foley DOT Collection Site Locator
   • Enter your zip code or city and state
   • Select whether you want to search in-network or all sites 
   • Select that you are filtering for "Drug Testing: Urine, DOT & non-DOT"
   • Click "Find Services"
   • Browse the list of approved testing facilities in your area
   • Contact the facility to confirm that it meets all DOT and Coast Guard requirements

Important Information to Verify with the Facility:

• They can perform a DOT 5 Panel test, which only tests for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, and amphetamines
• The laboratory is accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• The test results will be reviewed and signed by a Certified Medical Review Officer (MRO)

⚠ 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 does not recommend or endorse any provider. 

Am I able to go to the Regional Exam Center (REC) to have the drug testing completed? 

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.  

Where can I get a Chain of Custody form?

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:

• The form should have "Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form" written at the top. If this is not present, the form is not a DOT (Federal) drug test and will not be accepted.
• Ensure that the name, address, phone number, and fax number of the Medical Review Officer (MRO) are listed in Step 1 on the top portion of the form

How long do I have within my application process to take and pass the drug testing?  

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.

What happens are an applicant takes the test or has their specimen collected?

After taking the drug test or having the specimen collected, follow these steps:

1. 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.

2. 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. 

3. Submit Results with Application: Once the test results are available, include the results in your application packet. 

4. Acceptable Proof of Drug Test Result: One of the following will serve as acceptable proof of your drug test results:

   • Copy 2 of the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form, signed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO), with the test result clearly visible
   • Completion of the DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Testing Form (CG-719P), which must be completed by the MRO
   • A letter from the drug testing facility containing all required information and signed by the MRO
   • Option II or III as listed on page 2 of the DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Testing Form (CG-719P)

For any questions or assistance, contact the National Maritime Center customer service center at (888) 427-5662.

Does the drug testing facility have to submit the results or can I?

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 (AI) letter from a National Maritime Center, the results should be submitted based on the instructions provided.  

Where can I verify that the Medical Review Officer (MRO) is certified? 

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:

1. Verify MRO Certification:

   • Obtain the MRO’s name from the facility
   • Visit AAMRO or MROCC to check the MRO’s certification status
     • On the AAMRO website, click Locate a Certified MRO, enter the MRO’s last name, and click Search. If the MRO is certified, their name will be listed with the status "In good standing."
     • On the MROCC website, click MROCC Directory, enter the MRO’s last name, and click Search Directory. Certified MROs will appear in the search results.

2. Verify Laboratory Certification:

   • Obtain the name of the laboratory where the specimen will be sent
   • Visit the National Maritime Center (NMC) website, navigate to Drug Testing, and then SAMHSA, to access a list of current SAMHSA-certified laboratories
   • Ensure the laboratory is on the certified list, which will include the laboratory’s name and address

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.

Do I need to be enrolled in a random drug testing program?  

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. 

I am a current mariner and I tested positive on my recent drug test. Can I still renew my credential, or will I be required to surrender it?

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. 

Why does it have to be a 5-panel drug test?  Why can’t I submit a 7- or 10-panel drug test? 

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.

I tested positive for marijuana, but I am in a state where the use of marijuana for “recreational” purpose is permitted.  Will I still be able to obtain a captain's license credential? 

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. 

Do I need to be enrolled in a random drug testing program if I have a valid captain's license? 

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.