USCG return-to-duty
Coast Guard SAP evaluations and return-to-duty for mariners.
Virtual DOT SAP evaluations throughout New York State, plus New Jersey, Georgia and Massachusetts. Appointments are generally available within 24–48 hours once payment and required paperwork are complete, subject to availability.
Who the Coast Guard covers
Coast Guard drug testing covers safety-sensitive vessel work.
Coast Guard rules (46 CFR Part 16) apply to crewmembers in safety-sensitive positions on commercial vessels, including:
- Credentialed mariners serving as crewmembers
- Crew on vessels that require a credentialed operator
- Employees directly involved in safe vessel operation
The Coast Guard follows DOT Part 40 for drug testing. Its alcohol testing rules are different, and focus on serious marine incidents and operating under the influence.
Step by step
The Coast Guard return-to-duty process.
1. Removal from duty
You are removed from duties that directly affect safe vessel operation.
2. Coast Guard reporting
For credentialed mariners, the result is reported to the local Coast Guard Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
3. SAP evaluation and treatment
A face-to-face evaluation by secure video, followed by the education or treatment your SAP recommends.
4. MRO determination
Before you return, a Medical Review Officer must find that you are drug-free and that the risk of future use is low.
5. Credential review
Your Merchant Mariner Credential may be subject to Coast Guard suspension and revocation proceedings.
6. Follow-up testing
At least six unannounced tests in your first year back, for up to five years.
Merchant Mariner Credential holders
Your credential is reviewed separately.
A failed drug test can lead to Coast Guard suspension and revocation proceedings against your credential. That process is separate from your SAP evaluation and treatment.
Completing your SAP recommendations promptly helps you show the steps you’ve taken. Consider getting legal advice about the credential process.
Complete DOT SAP Professional Services — $500 + $18.15 Administrative Fee
Total payable: $518.15. One package covers the professional SAP services for both stages of the evaluation process—the initial evaluation and the follow-up evaluation—not just one appointment.
The professional services package includes:
- Initial DOT SAP clinical evaluation.
- Initial evaluation report and required reporting to the appropriate recipient.
- Individualized education or treatment recommendations.
- Assistance with an appropriate secondary referral when needed.
- Follow-up SAP clinical evaluation after the required recommendations are completed.
- Follow-up evaluation report and applicable reporting.
- FMCSA Clearinghouse initial and follow-up reporting when the driver’s case is subject to Clearinghouse requirements.
External education, treatment, laboratory testing, return-to-duty testing and third-party services are separate. Professional findings are individualized and never guaranteed.
Scheduling and paperwork
- Submit your SAP inquiry.
- Our office follows up on inquiries by the next business day.
- Pay the full professional SAP fee ($518.15 total).
- Once payment is confirmed, you receive immediate access to the required assessment forms.
- Payment starts scheduling for the next available evaluation appointment.
- Your evaluation cannot proceed until you finish and submit the required paperwork.
- Appointments are generally available within 24–48 hours once these steps are complete, subject to availability.
Scheduling and the evaluation are separate steps: payment lets us schedule your appointment, but the evaluation itself takes place only after your paperwork is complete. The full DOT return-to-duty process—education or treatment, your follow-up evaluation and the employer-controlled return-to-duty test—takes longer than 24–48 hours.
If your employer’s employee assistance program is through Revive (formerly BHS), you might be eligible to have your SAP services covered. Proactive Wellness is a contracted Revive provider: call Revive at 800-327-2251 and ask for Nikita Banks, LCSW, SAP by name, or ask us to help you check.
Other DOT agencies
Return-to-duty guidance for every DOT agency.
All DOT SAP services
Pricing, scheduling and the full return-to-duty process for every DOT agency.
FMCSA: commercial drivers
CDL truck and bus drivers, school bus and passenger carriers.
FAA: aviation
Pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, dispatchers and air traffic controllers.
FRA: railroads
Engineers, conductors, dispatchers, signal and maintenance-of-way workers.
FTA: public transit
Bus, subway and light-rail operators, dispatch, maintenance and armed security.
PHMSA: pipelines
Covered pipeline and LNG operations, maintenance and emergency response.
Mariner questions
Coast Guard return-to-duty answers.
Is my result reported to the Coast Guard?
Yes, for credentialed mariners. The employer reports the result in writing to the nearest Coast Guard Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
Can the Coast Guard take my credential?
Your credential may be subject to suspension and revocation proceedings. That process is separate from the SAP and return-to-duty steps.
What has to happen before I return to a vessel?
A Medical Review Officer must determine that you are drug-free and that the risk of future use is low, and you must agree to follow-up testing.
When will I receive my SAP paperwork?
Your initial report follows your first evaluation. Your follow-up report comes after you complete the recommendations. You may request copies of your SAP reports.
Can I start without an employer?
Yes. You can complete your evaluation and recommended education or treatment while unemployed. Return-to-duty testing still requires an employer.
Can I get started without paying?
Yes. Your initial inquiry and preliminary intake are free. Payment is required before your formal SAP evaluation is scheduled.
Get back on the water the right way.
Your first inquiry is free. Appointments are generally available within 24–48 hours once payment and your required paperwork are complete, subject to availability.