Drug, pharmaceutical substances and alcohol testing in the maritime industry should be conducted in different time frames to all crewmembers during their occupation on board. Sample collection should be carried out without any prior notice to the existing crew but also to the candidates for recruitment, and in cases of cause screening as well as post incident evaluation.

At DNAlogy we offer solutions that meet the maritime industry’s needs, providing a reliable testing of drug, pharmaceutical substances and alcohol as well as a wide variety of services that serve the policy of each company. Except from performing unannounced drug and alcohol testing on board, we also have the ability to provide pre-joining toxicology screening services with Global coverage. Our medical experts are at your disposal 24/7, offering scientific guidance and administration of all incidents.

Testing can be performed:

DNAlogy has been performing tele-medicine based procedures for over 10 years in sensitive sectors such as the EU Immigration Authorities and Correctional Facilities for DNA and DRUG testing. In the Maritime Industry, we are able to perform remote sampling protocols, where no physical presence is required:

1. Online protocol : Our lab experts are connected live with the vessel undergoing Drug and Alcohol testing and guides the crew accordingly. Then, the samples are shipped to our laboratory for analysis.
   Likewise, this method can also be used when self-testing is taking place, especially after an incident. Our medical expert can supervise online the procedure, validate the result and provide official report.

2. Video protocol : The whole procedure is taped by authorized personnel assigned by company and then uploaded to DNAlogy’s network or saved in USB and shipped along with the samples to our laboratories (detailed instructions provided).

Both methods  can be performed  before dockage, so crew members have minimum disruption at the port, where they are busy with other procedures. Furthermore, the total cost of the testing is much lower, because no physical attendance is needed.

Urine is the most common sample used for Drug and Alcohol testing, especially in the Maritime Industry. The collection of the sample can be performed any time of the day and the analysis will determine whether someone has recently used drugs and/or alcohol. DNAlogy offers full screening packages of 18 or 29 drugs, pharmaceutical substances and alcohol.

Hair toxicological analyses can investigate earlier periods of consumption (up to 12 months), as well as determine the user’s profile: occasional user, daily user etc. DNAlogy offers analysis options, ranging from 6 common narcotics and pharmaceuticals.

Hair toxicological analysis it a significant tool , especially in pre-employment testing, where earlier time period is crucial for the profile of the candidate.

European Institute for Genetics and DNA Identification, DNAlogy is accredited according to the ELOT EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for all forensic DNA analysis and certified by international organizations for toxicological analyses, manned by Forensic Experts of the Greek and International Judicial Authorities and operates in accordance with the guidelines and prerequisites of the following maritime standards : OCIMF, RightShip, International Maritime Organization, International Labor Organization.

DNAlogy is an international member of the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) which aims to the maintenance of safe and drug and alcohol-free workplaces. Through this worldwide partnership, the development of international drug and alcohol testing standards is ensured, in combination with the existing internationally recognized and established standards.