Page 53: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q3 2013)

Walter J. Brudzinski is Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Coast Guard. B.A. University of Maryland; J.D. George Mason University (with distinction); Master?s and Ph.D. in Judicial Studies, University of Nevada.ConclusionChemical testing appears to have discouraged drug and alcohol use. Analysis of 2003-2011 Post-Accident data showed positivity rates from small passenger vessel crewmembers subject to comprehensive chemical testing to be signiÞ cantly lower than those from commercial Þ shing vessels not subject to comprehensive chemical testing. Put another way, there is less likely to be drug and alcohol use in the more highly regulated segments of the maritime in- dustry. Further, chemical testing also appears to have reduced the potential for marine casualties related to drug and alcohol use. Again, the 2003-2011 data showed the SPV group had sig- niÞ cantly fewer Post-Accident positive drug and alcohol tests per SMI than CFVs. Finally, chemical testing ap- pears to have enhanced the safety of the maritime transportation industry. The 2003-2011 data showed Random posi- tivity rates are fairly accurate predictors of Post-Accident positivity rates among those vessels with comprehensive drug testing requirements. NOTES: This article is a summary of the dis-sertation submitted in partial fulÞ llment of requirements for a Ph.D. in Judicial Studies. Entitled Chemical Testing of Commercial Vessel Personnel: An Analysis of Archived Test Results, the views are those of the author and do not necessarily reß ect the views of DHS, the Coast Guard or its leadership, or the OfÞ ce of Chief Administrative Law Judge. The author expresses apprecia- tion to Captain David S. Fish, Chief, OfÞ ce of Investigations and Casualty Analysis and his staff for their sug- gestions and assistance, especially Mr. David H. Dickey and Mr. Robert C. Schoening. Mr. Dickey also served on the authorÕs dissertation committee as subject matter expert. www.maritimeprofessional.com | Maritime Professional | 53MP #3 50-63.indd 53MP #3 50-63.indd 539/10/2013 12:04:12 PM9/10/2013 12:04:12 PM