
Coast Guard Updates Fines for Non-Compliance
The Coast Guard Authorization Act increased the civil penalty for non-compliance with chemical drug testing to $7,500 per day. This penalty also applies to failure to conduct post-accident alcohol testing.
Another change provided by the Act requires procedures to ensure that after a serious marine casualty occurs, alcohol testing be conducted no later than two hours after the casualty occurs unless such testing cannot be completed because of safety concerns directly related to the casualty. This rule applies to crewmembers or other persons responsible for the operation or safety-sensitive functions of the vessel or vessels involved in the casualty. (For more information, see Serious Marine Incident.)