A coalition of 12 maritime trade organizations, including the Passenger Vessel Association, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation in response to a final rule on drug testing scheduled to take effect on August 1. The letter, dated June 1, is a request for suspension of 49 CFR 40.25, until a 60-day public comment period can be implemented.
The new rule requires employers to seek information on new employees' drug and alcohol testing record from previous DOT-regulated employers. The rule does not apply to new employees who were not previously employed in the transportation sector. This rule reflects a major change in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) of December 1999, giving the marine industry no opportunity to comment on the change that may be a significant regulatory burden.
The maritime coalition has asked that a notice be published in the Federal Register announcing the suspension until public comments can be made. PVA will report on any new action on this issue.