Drug testing gets under way

Random urinalysis testing for illegal drugs is conducted at HMAS Waterhen.

Photo: LSPH Bill Louys

By LCDR Antony Underwood

Naval Police Coxswains have begun urine testing for illegal drugs.

The first tests were conducted at Defence Establishment Berrimah on January 20 and the HMAS Waterhen units, Clearance Diving Team One and Fleet Intermediate Maintenance Authority on January 28.

Recent changes to Defence Instruction Navy PERS 13-1 provide for random urinalysis in all ships and establishments as an interim measure until new regulations have been introduced governing testing for the whole of the Australian Defence Force.

Under current arrangements, up to 10 per cent of the Navy’s population will be tested each year.

The introduction of testing for the presence of illegal drugs is being conducted in tandem with the Safe Spirit program which involves breathalysing people for the presence of alcohol in the workplace.

“A number of incidents in our Navy and in other organisations in recent times have highlighted the need for early action to make our workplaces safer,” said CN VADM Chris Ritchie.

“We need people with the skill, physical ability and judgement to make swift and informed decisions or carry out orders quickly and accurately to ensure we operate safely.

“Our work in the Navy – particularly in our ships and submarines – is challenging enough without having to work with people whose performance could be affected by drugs.

“We will free Navy of drugs and we will do it now.”

 

Drug testing Q&A

What is the purpose of testing for illegal drugs?

The aim of the random urinalysis program is to ensure an effective and safe workplace, which is necessary to maximise the RAN’s operational effectiveness. Navy has zero tolerance toward the use of illegal drugs.

How will I be tested?

You will be asked to provide a urine sample, which will be taken under controlled conditions. This sample will then be dispatched to a toxicology laboratory for analysis. This analysis will determine whether there is any substance within your urine sample that indicates you are using drugs illegally.

How often will I be tested?

The selection process is random and up to 10 per cent of Navy will be tested in 2004. Therefore there is no guarantee of you being tested in this year, and there is a probability, albeit it small, that you may be selected to provide a sample on more than one occasion.

Where can I be tested?

Commanding Officers are responsible for the administration of the random urinalysis program within their commands and will determine a testing regime appropriate to their circumstances. The samples will be collected under the direction of Naval Police Coxswains by medical staff. The sampling will normally be conducted in a Service medical facility, but may be conducted elsewhere at the discretion of COs.

What drugs will I be tested for?

The screening profile used by Navy screens for the following drug classes: sympathomimetic amines, cannabis, cocaine, opiates and methadone.

What will happen if I test positive for illegal drugs?

If you test positive for illegal drugs, your Commanding Officer is to recommend to the appropriate delegate that a termination notice be served and make a recommendation to an approving authority as to whether the member should be retained or be discharged or have their appointment terminated.

What if I am taking prescribed medication?

Illegal drug use extends to the inappropriate use of prescribed drugs (ie, not taking prescription medication in accordance with directions provided by your Doctor or Pharmacist). You will be asked to provide details of any prescription medication you are using when you provide your sample. The toxicologist uses this information in determining the likelihood of illegal drug use.

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