Cyprus issues circular on preventing drug and alcohol abuse

The Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus has issued a circular on preventing drug and alcohol abuse on board Cyprus-flagged vessels.

This circular was issued on March 13th, 2023.

It is addressed to all registered owners, registered bareboat charterers, managers, and representatives of ships flying the Cyprus flag, as well as to all holders of certificates of competency, certificates of proficiency, and documentary evidence issued by the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

In accordance with paragraph 2 of Regulation V/III/1 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW 78) as amended*, for the purpose of preventing drug and alcohol abuse on board Cyprus-flagged vessels, the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus reminds of the following:

1) Any level of alcohol consumption by crew members on board a ship has implications for the safety of the vessel, the crew, and any passengers. Even small quantities of alcohol have been shown to sufficiently impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents.

2) Drug abuse is a serious hazard to the crew members, other persons on board, and the security of the vessel.

3) It is an offense for a professional seafarer to be impaired by drink (or drugs) whilst on duty on board a ship or at any time on board a vessel if they might be required to undertake emergency duties to protect the safety of passengers.

4) For the purpose of preventing alcohol abuse a limit of not greater than 0.05% blood alcohol level (BAC) or 0.25mg/l alcohol in the breath for masters, officers, and other seafarers while performing designated safety, security, and marine environmental duties is established**.

5) In accordance with section 10 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Laws of 1977 to 2020 (Law 29/1977 as amended) in conjunction with sections 5(1)(a) and 5(3) of the Penal Code (Cap.154) as amended, the use of illegal drugs on board Cyprus-flagged vessels is prohibited and constitutes a criminal offense.

6) Paragraph 8 of Section B-VIII/1 of the STCW Code recommends that all companies should consider the implementation of a clearly written policy of drug and alcohol abuse prevention including a prohibition on the consumption of alcohol four hours prior to serving as a member of a watch. In addition, the ILO publication “Drug and Alcohol Prevention Programs in the Maritime Industry” (A Manual for Planners)*** provides valuable information and should be taken into account****.

7) The shipowners and ship management companies should:

i. adopt policies and procedures to prevent drug and alcohol abuse on ships;
ii. educate seafarers on the harmful effects and consequences of the unauthorized possession and abuse of drugs and of alcohol;
iii. provide guidance to seafarers on safe and sensible alcohol consumption;
iv. identify early-stage seafarers who may be abusing drugs or have an alcohol-related problem;
v. eliminate the presence of unauthorized drugs on ships;
vi. provide confidential advice, support, and assistance to any seafarers known to have drug- or alcohol-related problems; and
vii. provide instructions to seafarers and the shore-based employees responsible for implementing the drug and alcohol policy.

*Ratified by the Republic of Cyprus by virtue of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (Ratification) and for Matters Connected Therewith Law of 1985 to 2012 (Law 8/85 as amended).

**Paragraph 10 of Section A-VIII/1 of the STCW Code.

***www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_protect/---protrav/---safework/documents/publication/wcms_117734.pdf

****Paragraph 9 of Section B-VIII/1 of the STCW Code.

This Circular must be placed on board vessels flying the Cyprus flag.