BY THE NUMBERSdrugs and alcohol and the other, highly regulated small passenger ves-sels (SPVs) of 100 tons or less with comprehensive chemical testing re-quirements – were compared. The drug test results that marine employ-ers submit to the Coast Guard were also compared.U.S. Documented small passenger vessels (SPV) – or in other words, the core of the PVA demograph-ics – and their crewmembers are among the most heavily regulated of all U.S. documented categories. Conversely, U.S. Documented com-mercial ? shing vessels (CFVs) are subject to the least amount of regula-tion. CFV’s are, however, subject to Post-Accident drug and alcohol test-ing – presenting a perfect contrast to SPV crewmembers for comparison. Figure 1 compares Post-Accident veri? ed positives for one or more drugs between CFVs and SPVs from 2003-2011. Each year, the positiv-ity rates of CFVs are higher than the positivity rates of SPVs by at least 32% and as much as 96%. SPV crewmembers averaged 77% fewer positive drug tests than CFV crew-members. Figure 2 compares Post-Accident alcohol test positivity rates between CFV and SPV crewmem-happened on the water and only 17 that there are bigger problems else-bers. With minimal variations, Post-attributable to passenger vessel ac-where. For example – and echoing a Accident alcohol test positivity rates cidents. That ? gure decreased even previous report made is these pages of SPVs were lower than CFVs by more in 2011 (Figure 2.). Finally, (October 2013) – the Coast Guard at least 14% and as much as 100%. the Coast Guard also asserts that the in 1988 implemented chemical test-SPV crewmembers averaged 73% majority of fatalities ( 83%) were ing to discourage drug and alcohol fewer positive alcohol tests than not related to operation of a vessel use by vessel personnel and enhance CFV crewmembers.but rather resulted from diving acci- safety. A recent study gauged the The safety record of domestic pas-dents, swimming, snorkeling or nat- effectiveness of this chemical test-senger vessels is very good. Arguably, ural causes. These non-vessel-related ing. Post-Accident drug and alcohol it is unrivaled by any other mode fatalities, says the Coast Guard, stem test results of crewmembers from in the modal transportation chains. two vessel categories – minimally NTSB oversight is a good thing. In from unregulated activities.regulated commercial ? shing vessels this case, those resources are misdi-Based on these numbers, it’s a curi-ous thing that the NTSB would tar- (CFVs) with no chemical testing re-rected to the detriment of other more get passenger vessels when it is clear quirements except for Post-Accident pressing issues lurking elsewhere. March 2014MN10 MN MAR14 Layout 1-17.indd 10 MN MAR14 Layout 1-17.indd 10 2/21/2014 3:16:43 PM2/21/2014 3:16:43 PM