Coast Guard Drug Test

Does the Coast Guard Drug Test?

Yes, the Coast Guard tests its personnel for dangerous drugs through their drug and alcohol testing program. Regular drug testing is conducted as part of the Coast Guard’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace and upholding its high standards of professionalism and integrity.

These tests may be administered at various points during a Coast Guard member’s career, including prior to employment, at random, and after a marine incident. Additionally, individuals transferring into the Coast Guard may undergo drug testing as part of the enlistment process.

What Kind of Drug Test Does the Coast Guard Use?

The U.S. Coast Guard uses a 5-panel urine drug test, which can detect the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), or amphetamines in a person’s system. The Coast Guard follows strict protocols and standards to ensure accuracy, fairness, and confidentiality throughout the drug testing process.

USCG Drug Test Requirements

Individuals seeking employment with the Coast Guard must undergo pre-employment drug screening as part of the enlistment process. Additionally, the USCG requires drug testing for all transactions, excluding those involving increases in scope, duplicates, and International Endorsements.

Current Coast Guard members may also be subjected to random drug testing to deter drug use and promote accountability. Personnel may also be required to undergo periodic drug testing during physical examinations or as part of investigations into marine incidents.

USCG employees must choose one of three methods of drug testing: they can either provide the results of an approved drug test, a letter reporting participation in a random drug test, or a letter reporting participation in pre-employment testing.

USCG-Approved Testing

One way Coast Guard employees can fulfill their drug testing requirements is by participating in an approved drug test. To be approved, the test must be:

• Conducted within the past 185 days
• Sent to a SAMHSA-approved drug testing facility
• A DOT 5-panel drug test
• Signed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO)
• Negative

Employees can find the current list of SAMHSA-accredited drug testing facilities on the SAMHSA website.

Random Drug Testing Programs

USCG employees can also fulfill their drug testing responsibilities by providing proof that they participated in a random drug testing program. In order to do that, employees must provide a letter attesting to their participation in a random drug test program. The Coast Guard will only accept drug testing letters that are original, on either marine employer stationary or for Active Duty Military on command letterhead, and signed by the appropriate personnel.

If the letter is from a marine employer, it must state that the individual has complied with random testing requirements for at least 60 days of the past 185 days and has not refused a chemical test. Otherwise, the letter must state that the individual has been subjected to random testing with no positive results for the remainder of the six-month period.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing

Another way Coast Guard employees can meet drug testing requirements is by attesting to undergoing pre-employment drug testing. The letter must be original and:

• Dated within the past 185 days
• On marine employer stationary
• State that the employee passed an approved drug test within the past six months and has not tested positive for the remainder of those six months
• Be signed by a company official