USCG Drug Testing Services

NMS Screening & Compliance provides structured, USCG-compliant drug testing support designed to help maritime employers meet federal requirements, reduce compliance risk, and maintain safe, reliable operations.

USCG Drug Testing Compliance Requirements

USCG regulations apply to marine employers who employ individuals as covered crewmembers on vessels subject to Coast Guard drug testing rules. Covered crewmembers generally include credentialed mariners and other personnel serving in positions covered by USCG chemical testing regulations, subject to specific regulatory definitions and exceptions.

USCG Random Testing Rate

Marine employers must conduct random drug testing throughout the calendar year at the following minimum annual rate, unless adjusted by the Commandant under the regulation:

• 50% minimum annual random drug testing rate for covered crewmembers.

USCG Drug Testing Program Elements

NMS Screening & Compliance supports USCG-compliant programs that include required testing circumstances, such as:

• Pre-Employment Drug Testing: Drug testing required before an individual is engaged or employed as a covered crewmember.
• Random Drug Testing: Unannounced random testing conducted throughout the year at the required minimum rate.
• Post-Incident Testing (Serious Marine Incidents): When a marine casualty is, or is likely to become, a Serious Marine Incident (SMI), the marine employer must ensure required drug and alcohol testing is conducted for individuals directly involved, consistent with Coast Guard regulations.
• Reasonable Cause Testing: Testing based on specific, contemporaneous observations indicating probable drug use, consistent with regulatory requirements.
• Periodic Testing (where applicable): Certain credential-related or other periodic testing requirements may apply depending on the mariner’s credentialing and role.

USCG Compliance Support Services

NMS Screening & Compliance provides compliance-focused support designed to help maritime employers remain audit-ready, including:

• Random pool administration (including consortium/sponsoring organization support where appropriate).
• Testing coordination and documentation support.
• Assistance with policy implementation and program administration.
• Training support (reasonable cause determinations and workplace education, as applicable).
• Management Information System (MIS) reporting support for required drug testing program data.

Consequences of Noncompliance with USCG Drug Testing Regulations

Marine employers subject to USCG drug testing requirements must establish and maintain compliant testing programs in accordance with 46 CFR Part 16. Failure to implement or maintain a compliant program may result in Coast Guard enforcement actions, including notices of violation and civil penalties assessed based on the nature and duration of the noncompliance. In addition, individual mariners who violate drug testing requirements or fail to comply with testing obligations may be subject to administrative action affecting their merchant mariner credentials. In circumstances where safety or security concerns are identified, the Coast Guard may also exercise its broader authority to restrict vessel operations.

NMS OnBoard™: Centralized USCG Drug Testing Oversight

NMS Screening & Compliance supports U.S. Coast Guard–regulated drug testing programs through NMS OnBoard™, a secure, cloud-based, mobile-enabled platform that centralizes testing coordination, status tracking, and documentation management. NMS OnBoard™ provides marine employers with visibility into drug testing activity across vessels, crews, and safety-sensitive positions, supporting consistent workflows and secure record retention. The platform integrates with Medical Review Officer (MRO) services and laboratory reporting, helping maritime operators maintain clear oversight and audit readiness for USCG-regulated testing programs.

Why Choose NMS Screening & Compliance?

• Regulatory Expertise: Deep experience supporting maritime employers subject to USCG drug testing requirements.
• Custom Solutions: Programs tailored to vessel operations, crewing models, and compliance obligations.
• Nationwide Coverage: Reliable testing coordination across multiple states and ports of call.
• Comprehensive Services: End-to-end drug testing program support, including random pool administration and documentation.
• Expert Guidance: Practical assistance with policy implementation, program operations, and audit readiness.
• Flexible Options: Program structures designed to support individual operators, fleets, and multi-location marine employers.