The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued an informative update for all domestic commercial vessel (DCV) operators, including hire and drive operators (Class 4) regarding the implementation of a drug and alcohol policy starting 1 June, 2025 as part of their safety management system (SMS).
This new requirement, introduced by AMSA, aims to address the safety risks associated with drug and alcohol use in the maritime industry.
What you need to do
Class 1, 2, and 3 operators
Ensure all masters, crew, and special personnel are:
- made aware of your drug and alcohol policy
- assessed as fit to undertake their duties
- not impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Operators of passenger-carrying vessels are also required to include a policy outlining how they manage the risks of drugs and alcohol for passengers.
What to consider
- Acceptable and unacceptable drug and alcohol use: Consider whether to have a ‘dry vessel’ where no alcohol, prohibited drugs or non-prescribed medication are allowed or whether to permit crew to have a limited supply of alcohol at the end of their work day. Where alcohol is allowed, consider how this will be managed and any impact it may have on crew ability to undertake duties in an emergency.
- Drug and alcohol disclosure: Consider whether to request crew members to inform you about any prescription medications they’re taking. This could be important to know in case there are any undesirable effects from the medication e.g. drowsiness. It will also enable you to have a full understanding of medications required in a medical emergency.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Consider whether to conduct drug and alcohol testing prior to crew boarding the vessel as part of pre-departure checks.
- Unfit for duty/under the influence: Consider how you will manage a situation where the master or a crew member is determined to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and unfit for duty.
Class 4 (hire and drive) operators
Ensure all hirers, participants, and staff are:
- familiar with your drug and alcohol policy
- fit to take control of the vessel
- not impaired by drugs or alcohol.
What to consider
As a hire and drive operator, your drug and alcohol policy should cover expectations for:
- staff
- hirers
- participants
Staff
- Acceptable and unacceptable drug and alcohol use: Consider whether to permit staff to have a limited supply of alcohol at the end of their shift.
- Drug and alcohol disclosure: Consider creating a procedure asking staff members to inform the owner about prescription medications they’re taking. This will help you identify any potential side effects that could impact their ability to operate the vessel safely.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Consider conducting testing as part of pre-departure checks to confirm that staff boarding the vessel are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Unfit for duty/under the influence: Consider denying boarding to any crew found to be under the influence.
Hirers and participants
- Acceptable and unacceptable drug and alcohol use: Where vessels are hired for multiple days e.g. houseboats, consider permitting hirers and participants to consume alcohol within limits defined in state/territory legislation. Make sure hirers can safely operate the vessel, including during emergencies.
- Drug and alcohol disclosure: Consider establishing a policy that asks the hirer and participants to disclose if they are taking prescription medication. This will help you identify any potential side effects that could impact their ability to operate the vessel safely.
- Drug and alcohol fact sheet: Consider requesting hirers/participants to read and sign your drug and alcohol policy. Make the policy available to hirers/participants on the vessel (easily visible).
- Unfit for duty/under the influence: Consider how to handle a situation where a hirer or participant is impaired. Your policy could include information about hirers’/participants’ general safety duties under the national law.
