Dry Law at Sea: Dry Ship Rules, Surprise Alcohol Tests, and Broken Careers

Hey seafarers. A topic that has tripped up more than a few excellent specialists — alcohol on board. Twenty to thirty years ago, beer and wine were sold in the ship's store (Bonded Store), and Friday barbecues were the norm. Today, 95% of major flag state companies have implemented a Strictly Dry Ship policy.

What this means: bringing any alcohol on board is prohibited. If they find even an unfinished bottle in your cabin during a search or PSC inspection — immediate dismissal at your own expense (Dismissal) without bonuses and with a wolf ticket on the blacklist. Captains regularly conduct random alcohol and drug tests. The sensor can trigger even if you had a beer ashore yesterday. The limits at sea are stricter than for drivers on land — practically absolute zero.

Is a can of beer worth the risk of losing your contract and your profession? What's your take on the dry law — justified safety or overkill?