Zero Drug Tolerance and Maritime Drug Rules

The rules of Marine Drug Enforcement are pretty simple. Zero Tolerance. That means if illegal or illicit drugs are found aboard your vessel or that of a friend, you're, well, screwed to use a well known word. There's no second chance, no "aww, please" no catch and release. It's arrest for the offender and seizure of the vessel. If the Coast Guard or Marine Police have even the slightest idea that there might be more drugs aboard, they can, and will, literally dismantle the vessel as it sits and search every cavity and hole, some of which you can't even imagine were there. And you'll be left to put it all back together. Oh sure, you can file a complaint and claim with the government, but remember who got caught with drugs on the vessel? Yeah....

My advice to every boater is to establish and print out a Zero Drug Tolerance policy, enforce it and make sure their guests are aware of it. Post it if necessary! It could save you and your vessel some really bad days and nights or more. Feel free to copy and change the one below to meet your needs.


ZERO TOLERANCE DRUG RULES

No illicit or illegal drugs may be brought on board this vessel at any time, by anyone. Drugs in this category include all compounds or mixtures that are prohibited by law, and/or are not prescribed by a licensed physician for individual use. This includes drugs prescribed for others that are taken by anyone other than the person named on the container.

Prescription drugs, prescribed by a licensed physician for treatment of disease, infection or alleviation of pain, and taken by the person for whom prescribed are not considered illegal drugs under this section.

Any person who brings prohibited or illegal drugs aboard this vessel, or who uses such drugs while aboard this vessel, will be reported to law enforcement authorities immediately upon knowledge that such activities exist.

THIS IS A ZERO DRUG TOLERANCE VESSEL.

IF YOU USE OR CARRY DRUGS, DO NOT COME ABOARD.

IF YOU DO, YOU WILL BE TURNED OVER TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY FOR ARREST AND PROSECUTION.

Safe and Drug-Free Boating!