Tag: alcohol

AMSA issued an informative update for all DCV operators regarding the drug and alcohol policy starting 1 June, 2025 as part of their SMS.

According to the STCW, any level of alcohol consumption by crew members on board a ship has implications for the safety of the vessel, the crew and any passengers. Even small quantities of alcohol have been shown to sufficiently impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents.

The Hellenic Coast Guard has arrested a Ukrainian captain on 18 November, four days after the cargo ship he was commanding collided with a rock off the coast of Makronisos, Greece, while he was under the influence of alcohol.

A container ship, Wec Frans Hals, experienced difficulties during a docking maneuver at the Port of La Luz and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria on August 20th, due to the captain's intoxication. 

The Nautical Institute presents an incident where, a dredger was being transited to winter quarters after a season of dredging, with only two crew members remaining on board. 

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has published an updated information paper that provides guidance on how to manage the risks and potentially serious impacts associated with the use of drugs and alcohol in relation to marine operations.

Drug and alcohol abuse can have significant negative impacts on seafarers and their ability to perform their duties effectively and safely. Even though the maritime industry has acknowledged this topic and begun to address it, incidents continue to happen. Therefore, a bigger emphasis on prevention is necessary to better address this problem.

Mr. Jacob Damgaard, Associate Director, Loss Prevention, Britannia P&I Club says that drug and alcohol abuse is a problem that affects all industries, including shipping.

In a recent SHS (Seafarers Hospital Society) webinar, medical experts talked about the health and welfare of seafarers, and discussed ways to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Cyprus has issued a circular to remind to shipowners, operators and ship management companies of practices for preventing drug and alcohol abuse on board Cyprus flagged vessels, as per STCW.