Consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs can severely impair any seafarer’s fitness for duty. The consumption of alcohol on board ship is being progressively phased out through strict regulations and screening. Many shipping companies now enforce a no-alcohol policy on-board their ships, and companies and port state inspectors may carry out random alcohol tests on crew members.

Note: Even where the flag state and company have policies that do not prohibit alcohol port state regulations apply and the consumption of any alcohol may be considered an offence. The amended 2010 STCW Convention requires administration should put in place adequate measures to prevent drug and alcohol abuse.

There is also a mandatory requirement for the administration to establish a limit of not greater than 0.05% blood alcohol level (BAC) or 0.25 mg/l alcohol in the breath or a quantity of alcohol leading to such alcohol concentration for masters, officers and other seafarers while performing designated safety, security, and marine environmental duties.

Guidelines in part B of the STCW Code on watch-keepers recommend seafarers should not consume any alcohol within four hours of going on watch.

Note: The scope of coverage in the amended 2010 STCW is wider now, covering not only watch-keepers but also crew with environmental and security duties.

Over the years, Alcovisor has been widely used as an alcohol breath analyzer in many industries. For the first time in maritime industry, we are introducing the most advanced tailor-made alcohol tester specially made for the ship’s crew.