You can download and print Form CG-719P here.
What is the CG-719P form?
Form CG-719P is used to document the DOT-approved drug testing results and is completed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO).
Who needs to complete the DOT-approved drug test?
A drug test is required for all transactions EXCEPT increases of scope, duplicates, and International Endorsements (STCW).
Where can I take the drug test?
In order to meet drug testing requirements, you must choose and provide one of the below options.
Option One
This option requires you to provide the results of an approved drug test. This test MUST be the following:
- Conducted within the past 185 days (from the date of application)
- Sent to a laboratory accredited by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- A DOT 5 Panel testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine, and Amphetamines
- Signed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) approved through AAMRO or MROCC
- A negative result (if the results is a Negative Dilute) it will NOT be accepted
You are not required to use the CG-719P Periodic Drug Testing Form. However, it is useful in ensuring that all information needed is provided. We will also accept letters or a Federal Chain of Custody form as long as all information above is provided.
Option Two
This option requires you to provide a letter attesting to participation in random drug testing programs. The letter must be the following:
- Provided on marine employer stationary OR for Active-Duty Military, on command letterhead
- Written to include the following verbiage:
- From Marine Employers: APPLICANT’S NAME / SSN has been subject to a random testing program meeting the criteria of Title 46 CFR 16.230 for at least 60 days during the previous 185 days and has not failed nor refused to participate in a chemical test for dangerous drugs.
- Active-Duty Military/Military Sealift Command/N.O.A.A./ Army Corps of Engineers: APPLICANT’S NAME / SSN has been subject to a random testing program and has never refused to participate in or failed a chemical drug test for dangerous drugs
- Signed by the appropriate personnel
The National Maritime Center (NMC) will accept letters from valid consortium to meet this requirement. The NMC will NOT accept drug testing letters from a Union attesting to participation in a random drug testing program.
Option Three
This option requires you to provide a letter attesting to pre-employment drug testing. The letter must be the following:
- Dated within the past 185 days (from the date of application)
- Provided on marine employer stationary
- Written to include the following verbiage:
- APPLICANT’S NAME / SSN passed a chemical test for dangerous drugs, required under Title 46 CFR 16.210 within the previous six months of the date of this letter with no subsequent positive drug test results during the remainder of the six-month period.
- Signed by a company official
Take a few moments to review this video on drug testing.
How do I locate an approved drug testing facility?
Try the following to locate a drug testing facility:
- Search for a provider by going to the US Drug Test Centers website
- Select your state, then city
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page to locate the testing locations in your area
- Call them prior to scheduling your drug test to confirm that location is DOT approved
- Call them prior to scheduling your drug test to confirm that location is DOT approved
NOTE: This directory is not maintained by Mariners Learning System and is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only. Mariners are advised to contact the testing facility of their choice directly to ensure it meets their needs as well as all Coast Guard requirements.
Mariners Learning System does not recommend or endorse any particular provider.
Verify the following information with the facility in order to ensure that it will meet Coast Guard requirements:
- Can perform DOT 5 Panel test that ONLY tests for Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine, and Amphetamines
- Ensure the laboratory the specimen will be sent to is accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Will be signed by a Certified Medical Review Officer (MRO)
Am I able to go to the Regional Exam Center (REC) to have the drug testing completed?
RECs are not approved drug testing facilities and cannot complete the drug testing.
Where can I get a Chain of Custody form?
The Chain of Custody form can be obtained by your marine employer, or the facility approved to perform a 5 panel DOT.
Things to Look for:
- The chain-of-custody form should have the words on the top line “Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form”. If those words are not present on the form in the top space, it is not a DOT (Federal) drug test and will not be accepted.
- Make sure that the name, address, phone number, and fax number of the MRO appears in Step 1 on the top portion of the Custody and Control Form.
How long do I have within my application process to take and pass the drug testing? You must have taken and passed an approved Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test within six months of applying for your captain’s license or provide proof of your active participation in a DOT-approved random drug testing program.
Does the drug testing facility have to submit the results or can I?
The NMC will accept test results from the mariner or the facility where the testing took place, but the mariner is ultimately responsible for ensuring that drug testing results are received by the Regional Exam Center (REC). If the results are being submitted as part of an application, the results should be sent to one of the 17 RECs with all other forms. If the results are being submitted after receiving an awaiting information letter from a REC, the results should be submitted to the requesting REC where the application packet was processed.
TIP: Your drug test is SELF-PAID. You are paying for yourself to get a drug test and the results will be sent back to you once Form CG-719P is completed by the MRO.
Do I need to be enrolled in a random drug testing program?
To get the license, you just need to do the DOT 5 Panel Test. If you are going to be working professionally, you will need to be enrolled in a random drug testing program.
I am a current mariner and I tested positive on my recent drug test. Can I still renew my credential, or will I be required to surrender it?
Per 46 CFR 16.201(c), positive drug test results MUST be reported to your local Coast Guard Sector. The local sector will determine what actions need to be taken. A positive drug test can result in an assessment period that may result in the Coast Guard not issuing your renewal.
The DOT is required by the Omnibus Transportation Employees Testing Act to follow the Health and Human Services (HHS) requirements. As of October 1, 2010, HHS will only allow 5-panel drug tests.