News (Media Awareness Project) - US NY: Ferry Boozers, Drug Users To Walk Plank |
| Title: | US NY: Ferry Boozers, Drug Users To Walk Plank |
| Published On: | 2004-04-13 |
| Source: | New York Post (NY) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-18 12:44:41 |
FERRY BOOZERS, DRUG USERS TO WALK PLANK
The city has adopted a zero-tolerance policy that calls for Staten
Island Ferry workers who test positive for alcohol or illegal drugs to
be fired automatically, officials said yesterday.
The stricter rules are part of the Department of Transportation's
stepped-up effort to "safeguard commuters" in the aftermath of last
fall's deadly ferry crash, the agency said in a memo to ferry workers.
The new policy will ensure that every ferry worker - including
captains, assistant captains, mates and deckhands - is tested at least
once a year.
Under the old rules, a sampling of employees underwent testing and
those who were found with illegal drugs or alcohol in their system
were suspended. The DOT typically allowed workers to return to work
after receiving treatment.
Although workers can be promptly fired after failing a test under the
procedures launched yesterday, they will be allowed to appeal such
decisions.
The crackdown comes after Assistant Capt. Robert Sander failed a
Breathalyzer test March 22 while assigned to dock duty on Staten
Island. He is serving a 30-day suspension.
The increased safety efforts are also in response to the Oct. 15 crash
of the Andrew J. Barberi that slammed into a pier near St. George
Terminal, killing 11 passengers and injuring 71.
The Brooklyn U.S. attorney, the National Transportation Safety Board,
the Coast Guard and the city Department of Investigation are probing
the disaster.
Although none of the 16-member crew tested positive for illegal drugs
or alcohol, the DOT has overhauled the ferry system over the past six
months.
New regulations require deckhands to wear uniforms and place monitors
on boats to make sure all crew members are where they're supposed to
be.
A review of ferry operations by the Global Maritime and Transportation
School, the training arm of the Merchant Marine Academy, completed two
months ago recommended a series of changes, including having three
licensed pilots on every boat, one more than is currently required
under city rules.
The city has adopted a zero-tolerance policy that calls for Staten
Island Ferry workers who test positive for alcohol or illegal drugs to
be fired automatically, officials said yesterday.
The stricter rules are part of the Department of Transportation's
stepped-up effort to "safeguard commuters" in the aftermath of last
fall's deadly ferry crash, the agency said in a memo to ferry workers.
The new policy will ensure that every ferry worker - including
captains, assistant captains, mates and deckhands - is tested at least
once a year.
Under the old rules, a sampling of employees underwent testing and
those who were found with illegal drugs or alcohol in their system
were suspended. The DOT typically allowed workers to return to work
after receiving treatment.
Although workers can be promptly fired after failing a test under the
procedures launched yesterday, they will be allowed to appeal such
decisions.
The crackdown comes after Assistant Capt. Robert Sander failed a
Breathalyzer test March 22 while assigned to dock duty on Staten
Island. He is serving a 30-day suspension.
The increased safety efforts are also in response to the Oct. 15 crash
of the Andrew J. Barberi that slammed into a pier near St. George
Terminal, killing 11 passengers and injuring 71.
The Brooklyn U.S. attorney, the National Transportation Safety Board,
the Coast Guard and the city Department of Investigation are probing
the disaster.
Although none of the 16-member crew tested positive for illegal drugs
or alcohol, the DOT has overhauled the ferry system over the past six
months.
New regulations require deckhands to wear uniforms and place monitors
on boats to make sure all crew members are where they're supposed to
be.
A review of ferry operations by the Global Maritime and Transportation
School, the training arm of the Merchant Marine Academy, completed two
months ago recommended a series of changes, including having three
licensed pilots on every boat, one more than is currently required
under city rules.
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