Course Introduction

Over the last few years we have seen an alarming increase in the number of accidents at sea in which drugs have been a causative factor. In some areas of the world and on certain types of vessel drug abuse is becoming a serious safety hazard. The online Drug Abuse Awareness in the Maritime Sector Course has been provided to assist in the raising of awareness and the associated issues that can arise from drugs being brought onto a vessel, and the illegal use of substances by crew, staff, and passengers.

About the Course

The purpose of this short, fully online Drug Abuse Awareness in the Maritime Sector Course, is to provide those crew, staff, and passengers onboard the vessel with an awareness of the types of illegal drugs and substances (including alcohol) that may be brought onto a vessel illegally, for transportation, distribution of, or use of by those committing the act, or associated with such an act.

Add-On Course to the MCA Approved (STCW ISPS) Courses

This course is designed to be taken as an add-on to the fully online, MCA Approved [STCW ISPS] Proficiency in Designated Security Duties [PDSD] & Ship Security Officer [SSO] Maritime Security Courses.

Course Learning Objectives

• To gain an understanding of what drug abuse is, and the associated effects of drug abuse.
• To be provided with an insight to identify if there is a potential drug problem onboard the vessel.
• To gain an understanding of the safety implications involved.
• To gain an understanding of the legal implications involved.
• To gain an understanding of a Drugs Policy.
• To understand how the Learner can assist in the combat of the drugs menace.
• To understand Company Policy.
• To understand how education can assist in the combat of the drugs menace.
• To understand how illegal drugs and substances are covered in Contracts.
• To be made aware of the implementation of drug screening and testing.

Target Audience

Anyone working on or frequenting a vessel often should possess a good understanding of the risks associated with the use of, illegal transportation of, and effects of illegal drugs and substances which have been brought onto the vessel.

VIRSEC Certificate of Course Completion

On successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to download a Certificate of Course Completion. This certificate can be also found under the Certificates tab on the Learner Portal.