🔍 Key Concepts

• Serious Marine Incident (SMI) alcohol and drug testing requirements in 46 CFR Part 4 • Who is allowed to operate a breath-testing device after an SMI • Difference between being a medical professional and being properly trained/qualified for a specific test

💭 Think About

• Think about what the regulation really requires for someone to use a breath-testing device: is it a specific job title, or a level of training/qualification? • Consider whether the Coast Guard limits breath testing only to doctors/nurses, or if it allows others to perform the test if they meet certain criteria. • Ask yourself: does simply being a marine employer or a credentialed deck officer automatically mean they are qualified to run this specific test device?

✅ Before You Answer

• Check who 46 CFR Part 4 says may administer alcohol tests after a serious marine incident. • Verify whether the rule emphasizes training/qualification on the device rather than rank or employer status. • Confirm that nothing in the regulation limits administration only to medical personnel or only to credentialed officers, unless they meet the training requirement.