Sobering news for the New Year

Random alcohol breath testing aims to deliver a safer spirit

ABMTE Renae Woodward (left) and LSNPC Jocelyn Smith embrace Safe Spirit.

Navy has made a sobering New Year’s resolution - the introduction of random alcohol breath testing from January, 2004.

Breath testing will be conducted by Naval Police Coxswains in safety critical areas and may also follow any incident where alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

The introduction of random breath testing was one of the main recommendations of the Board of Inquiry into the disappearance of LS Cameron Gurr from HMAS Darwin in 2002.

But the Navy has stopped short of introducing a “dry ship” policy. Commanding Officers will retain discretionary power to allow consumption of alcohol during officially sanctioned functions, or beer issue at sea. But at all other times, members are expected to have a zero blood alcohol level while on duty at sea or ashore.

The testing program, which has been dubbed Safe Spirit, aims to provide Navy people with a safer work environment.

All members of the Navy could potentially be the subject of testing, as all members, at sometime or another, can be employed in safety critical areas. Other large organisations such as Qantas and BHP are implementing similar safety programs.

Safety critical areas are deemed to be work environments with a heightened risk to Navy personnel, or the public, or where key operational decisions are made.

Each CO will be responsible for determining the areas within their commands that are safety critical. These areas could include:

• Machinery spaces, electronics equipment rooms and control rooms.
  
• Operations room and bridge;
  
• Gun mountings and magazines;
  
• Aircraft, flight deck and hangars;
  
• Warehouses, workshops and heavy ma­chinery areas;
  
• Upper deck areas at sea;
  
• Ships boats and tenders; and
  
• Other areas as defined by the CO such as flammable stores, workshops and gyms.

The random breath testing units will be similar to the ones used by police.
Anyone under the influence of alcohol in an area designated as safety critical by the CO, will be removed from duty immediately.

COs will be responsible for ensuring appropriate follow-up action is taken for any member who returns a positive test.

These actions will involve referral to the ship or establishment Alcohol and Drug Program Advisers for assessment, education or treatment if required. Follow up testing may also occur.

The Navy’s existing alcohol and drug management program has a range of administrative actions for people identified with substance abuse issues.

Increasing safety was the main reason for the introduction of the breath testing program according to CN VADM Chris Ritchie.

“Navy is responsible for the health and safety of its people and must do this, in part, by providing a safe workplace,” VADM Ritchie said.

For more information about the Safe Spirit program contact CMDR Keith Donohue on (02) 6266 3820.

Safe spirit Q&A

What is the purpose of alcohol testing?
The aim of Safe Spirit is to provide a safe workplace with regard to alcohol consumption. It is about identifying those people who may have a problem with alcohol and their rehabilitation. The program is not just about catching them out. Referral to the ADPA will be another avenue to highlight to the alcohol and drug management network, those people who may have substance abuse issues. For those people who are screened, but do not require treatment, education and monitoring will be provided.

What about drug testing?
Alcohol testing is being introduced in the first instance as this is seen as a higher priority than drug testing given our understanding of the levels of misuse of the two substance types. Notwithstanding, policy is currently being developed for a drug-testing program in the near future.

How often will I be tested?
Your CO will conduct testing as often as necessary to ensure the occupational health and safety integrity of your ship/establishment. The frequency will vary between ships, establishments and units. For example, one establishment may choose to select a duty watch each week for testing, or a ship may choose to test all personnel going on watch on a day selected randomly or even just prior to sailing. Alternatively, it might be decided to test all personnel on board a ship four hours after a beer issue.

Where can I be tested?
You can be tested anywhere, anytime when you are present in areas defined as safety critical areas or activities by your CO. These areas will be laid down in Ships’ Standing Orders and it is your responsibility to be aware of these areas.

What is the limit?
Members are not to consume alcohol if they are on duty, nor are they to commence a period of duty whilst influenced by alcohol or the effects of prior alcohol consumption. Your CO has the discretion to determine times and locations for the consumption of alcohol in HMA ships, establishments and units; further explanation of which is contained in existing instructions such as DI(N) Pers 31-9 and AFTP1 (MARORDS).

Can I still have a beer issue?
Yes. MARORDS govern the regulations for alcohol use on board HMA Ships and these regulations still apply. Your CO is unlikely to order testing after a beer issue unless he suspects illegal consumption of alcohol by an individual or group.

CN Signal

The Chief of Navy, VADM Chris Ritchie, said he was determined to eliminate the use of prohibited drugs in the navy.
VADM Ritchie has sent out a strongly worded signal on the issue.

“I want there to be no doubt that the illegal use of drugs is not, and will not, under any circumstances, be tolerated in Navy,” VADM Ritchie said.

“Illegal drug use can and does have an adverse affect on the morale, discipline, safety and security of our people.”
The introduction of a random urinalysis testing program is being considered by a working group within Navy Systems Command.

Ref: CNAUST ZAP/WAT 130209Z Nov 03

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