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Stay AMSA compliant with maritime drug & alcohol testing

To address the dangers associated with drug and alcohol use, AMSA has mandated that from 1 June 2025, all domestic commercial vessel (DCV) operators and hire-and-drive operators must include a drug and alcohol management policy in their safety management system (SMS).

This change ensures that masters, crew, and special personnel are aware of the risks, assessed as fit for duty, and not impaired while working. Andatech provides industry-leading breathalysers and drug testing solutions to help maritime organisations meet AMSA regulations, enforce safety policies, and protect lives on and offshore.

What should an AMSA-compliant drug and alcohol policy contain?

A comprehensive drug and alcohol policy is crucial for ensuring compliance with AMSA’s 2025 regulations and maintaining a safe, impairment-free work environment. This policy should be part of your Safety Management System (SMS) and outline:

Clear zero-tolerance policy on alcohol and drug levels for crew and personnel.
Testing procedures – when and how drug and alcohol testing will be conducted.
Responsibilities of vessel operators and crew in preventing impairment-related risks.
Training and awareness programs to educate staff on policy enforcement.
Consequences of non-compliance and steps for handling positive test results.

By implementing a well-structured drug and alcohol policy, maritime operators reduce safety risks, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure a safer working environment for all.

The cost of non-compliance

Why cutting corners on drug & alcohol testing isn’t worth it

  • 🕒 Delays and detentions that impact your schedule and bottom line.
  • 📉 Loss of business reputation and client trust.
  • 💸 Increased insurance costs due to higher risk profiles.
  • 🧑‍✈️ Crew safety and lives at risk when impaired individuals are on board.

Compliance protects your crew, vessel, and business.

Drug and alcohol safety isn't optional—it’s essential.

Why compliance matters

  • Impairment at sea puts lives, cargo, and operations at risk.
  • AMSA mandates a drug and alcohol policy for all DCV operators from 1 June 2025.
  • Non-compliance can lead to serious safety incidents and operational consequences.

The risk is real

Serious incidents at sea

AMSA reported 1,005 maritime incidents involving Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCVs) between January and November 2024.

214 were classified as serious incidents.

Many could have been prevented with proper safety procedures and fit-for-duty crew.

Fishing vessels face high risk

Fishing industry safety: A growing concern

⚠️ 41% of all serious incidents in 2023 involved fishing vessels.

Fishing crews are especially vulnerable—highlighting the urgent need for regular drug and alcohol testing.

AMSA-compliant drug & alcohol testing: Frequently asked questions

Who needs to comply?

The AMSA regulations apply to all class 1-4 vessels including:

✅ All domestic commercial vessel (DCV) operators
✅ Hire-and-drive vessel operators
✅ Crew members and relevant personnel working on these vessels


Whether operating passenger ferries, fishing vessels, cargo ships, or charter boats, AMSA requires vessel owners and operators to actively manage drug and alcohol risks on board.

What does AMSA require?

To comply with AMSA’s new regulations, vessel operators must:

✔️ Develop and enforce a drug & alcohol testing policy as part of their SMS.
✔️ Conduct alcohol and drug testing for crew members when required.
✔️ Set clear substance limits for employees.
✔️ Train staff on drug and alcohol policies to ensure full compliance.
✔️ Maintain testing records for audits and inspections.

What is the legal alcohol limit for maritime workers?

The AMSA alcohol limit for crew members is 0.00% BAC—meaning a zero-tolerance policy applies when working on board.

For non-crew members, the legal alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC, aligning with Australian road laws.

When should drug & alcohol testing be conducted?

Under AMSA’s guidelines, testing should be carried out in situations including:

🛑 Pre-employment screening – Ensuring crew members are fit to work.
🛑 Random testing – Regular checks to deter drug and alcohol use.
🛑 Post-incident testing – Required if an accident, injury, or operational issue occurs.
🛑 Reasonable suspicion testing – If a crew member is suspected of being under the influence.

How can vessel operators ensure compliance?

To meet AMSA’s requirements, vessel operators must:

✔️ Use certified breathalysers to test for alcohol impairment.
✔️ Implement saliva or urine drug tests for comprehensive screening.
✔️ Document all tests and policy updates for compliance audits.
✔️ Educate crew members on the importance of a drug-free workplace.

Get expert guidance on maritime drug & alcohol compliance

Whether you’re updating your Safety Management System (SMS) or setting up testing protocols for your crew, our team is here to help.

Speak with our safety experts to ensure your workplace stays compliant, your crew stays safe, and your operations run smoothly—on and offshore.

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Australian Standard testing solutions from Andatech

Suit your regular or ad hoc breath alcohol testing needs with our breathalyser sales and service. Enjoy peace of mind and extended warranty under the Andatech Guarantee with our Australian Standard AS3547 Certified breathalysers.

Andatech offers a range of drug and alcohol testing solutions designed to help maritime operators comply with AMSA regulations:

  • Andatech Prodigy S workplace portable breathalyser with mouthpiece

    Andatech Prodigy S

    Reliability guaranteed

    AS3547:2019 certified

  • Andatech Soberlive FRX wall mounted breathalyser

    Andatech Soberlive FRX

    Instant user verification

    Facial recognition feature

  • Andatech Soberpoint 3 Lite wall mounted breathalyser

    Andatech Soberpoint 3

    Durable & versatile

    Blow through a straw

  • DrugSense DSO8 Plus

    DrugSense DSO8 Plus

    Detect 8 drug groups + alcohol

    Saliva drug test kit

  • ToxWipe 7 drug test kit

    ToxWipe™ 7

    No dry mouth issue

    Saliva drug test kit

  • DrugSense DSU11

    DrugSense DSU11

    Detect 11 drug groups + alcohol

    Urine drug test kit