USCG Exam PracticeDrug testing — pre-employment, random, post-incident
An operator holds a USCG credential and is self-employed as master of an uninspected passenger vessel. Under 46 CFR §16.230(k), what condition must be met before the operator may lawfully engage in this capacity?
- A. The operator must personally pass a random drug test within 30 days of commencing self-employment.
- ✓ All crewmembers covered by §16.230 must be subject to the random testing requirements of that section.Correct
- C. The operator must establish a random testing pool consisting solely of credentialed personnel.
- D. The operator is exempt from random testing requirements because self-employed masters are not considered marine employers.
Why B is correct
46 CFR §16.230(k) explicitly states that an individual may not be engaged or employed, including self-employment, as master, operator, or person in charge requiring a credential unless all crewmembers covered by §16.230 are subject to the random testing requirements. Self-employment does not create an exemption.
Cited:46 CFR §16.230