Drug card ? who does it belong to?

[terr]

As a long time freelancer I can tell you that you can infact get a non-vessel specific card. I use American Maritime Safety, I sign up as a individual, i've never had a issue. I've been through two renewals,no problem.

[frankypettolina]

that is good to know- but I was not talking about license renewals, I was talking about being in compliance taking passengers for hire- have you ever been checked during a boarding? When I talked to the USCG guy here in OCMD- he told me that by the letter of the law it would not be legal since you "answered to yourself" in a random program, rather than to an employer. i thought it was a load of BS- it just did not make sense. I personally think what you are doing is more than in compliance, just curious what the USCG thinks (again, being Government run- it probably doesn't make sense)

[deadfish]

i just renewed my card the first of june with American Professional Captains Assoc.(SEA School). i've never had to make it boat specific but i've had to supply a letter of compliance to insurance companies when i've done deliveries or when the boat is chartered. apca administers the ramdom drug test and the membership cost was $50 and is good for yr.

[frankypettolina]

Good info there- thankyou.

I would love to see what, if any law is written about this. Or what the suggested guidelines are. The USCG guy that told me the vessel specific thing, even though I have heard it from other folks too, may have had his head up his ass, or misinterpretted something. Humans can make mistakes.

[terr]

true Frank, i do answer to my self in the random program, but doesn't any owner/operator? I am self employed, freelance Capt./mate, company of 1. Charter owner/operator, self employed, also employs a deckhand, company of 2. In either case the Capt. is answering to himself as company head. (the way I see it) As long as I don't skip a test I don't see how they can fault me. I think this is another example of a somewhat vague and poorly writen law. The boarding officer will to a extent do as he or she sees fit. So treat 'em with respect. I have not been boarded with a charter aboard.

[frankypettolina]

could not agree with you more- poorly written AND enforced.

personally, I think crewmembers should have to register with the local USCG, and the USCG should make weekly trips to the marina and test randomly- that would be the best wayu to do it.

I learned a long time ago to treat any type of officer with respect. That goes a long way.