Drug & Alcohol Policy for DCV Operators – What You Need to Know
- Captain Cal Callahan
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Starting 1 June 2025, all Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) operators – whether you run a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 vessel – will be required to include a Drug and Alcohol Policy in your Safety Management System (SMS). This update is part of AMSA’s efforts to reduce risks and keep everyone onboard safe.
Whether you're a solo skipper, a crewed charter, or running a hire-and-drive business, this change affects you.
What's Required?
Your Drug and Alcohol Policy must clearly outline how you manage the risks of drug and alcohol use for:
Masters
Crew
Special personnel
Passengers (for those operating passenger-carrying vessels)
The goal? Ensuring everyone onboard is fit for duty and not impaired, whether they’re steering the boat or just along for the ride.
Hire & Drive (Class 4) Operators, Take Note!
If you operate Class 4 hire vessels, like PWC rentals or houseboat hires, you must also have a clear policy in place – not just for your staff, but for hirers and participants too.
Your policy should be part of your SMS and clearly communicated in your terms of hire and induction processes.
How to Build a Solid Policy
Keep it practical, clear, and tailored to the size of your operation. Here’s a simple 5-step process to follow:
Educate yourself and your crew/hirers on the risks
Develop the policy in writing
Trial the approach and gather feedback
Monitor, review, and revise as needed
Train your crew and make sure everyone knows their responsibilities
Real-World Examples
A solo operator might just need a short statement like “No drugs onboard. Alcohol permitted only after duties are complete.”
A houseboat hire business could include alcohol limits and safety expectations in the hire agreement, with hirers required to sign off.
Already Have a Policy?
Great! But don’t forget to:
Add it to your SMS
Induct all existing and new staff
Regularly train and refresh everyone on it
Common Questions – Straight Talk from Capt. Cal
Q: Do I have to do drug and alcohol testing?
A: Nope. AMSA isn’t setting a minimum number of tests. It’s up to you to assess the risk and apply suitable controls, including testing if needed.
Q: What about medications – how do I check for side effects?
A: Crew members should receive a Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) sheet from the pharmacy. You can also visit Healthdirect Australia or check with a GP.
Q: Can I just make my boat dry?
A: Absolutely. That’s your call. Some operators go completely dry. Others allow moderate alcohol after hours. Whatever you choose, it must be clearly defined and managed in your policy.
Q: What if someone’s clearly under the influence onboard?
A: Prioritise safety. Calmly remove them from duty, keep them safe, and take reasonable action if their behaviour endangers the vessel or others.
Q: Do I have to tell my boss or skipper about prescription meds?
A: Yes, if it could impact your duties. They need to manage risk and ensure the vessel is operating safely – it’s part of WHS compliance.
From June 2025, every DCV operator must have a Drug and Alcohol Policy in their SMS. Whether you're running a luxury catamaran or renting out jet skis, your policy must be:
Written down
Relevant to your operation
Known by your crew and/or hirers
Monitored and kept up to date
Stay ahead of the curve. Build your policy now, train your team, and make sure everyone’s on board with safety.
Drop a comment or get in touch at smallvesselsmanual.com
Capt. Cal
Sail Your Own Course