Stay informed with the latest news, updates, and professional resources for Michigan’s charter fishing community. Captain’s Corner connects MCBA members with industry insights, regulatory updates, safety guidance, and best practices for operating successful charter businesses on the Great Lakes. Whether you’re a seasoned captain or new to the industry, this hub provides essential tools, announcements, and information to support your charter operation year-round.
The MCBA Drug Program continues to meet and exceed all USGC DOT Standards required for YOUR Drug Program Requirements. MBCA is partnered with D.D.T.A Services. D.D.T.A Services does business the old fashion way, where you can talk to a person to resolve problems and understands that hurdles that come with a Drug Program. They also, however, will bring us into the electronic age, by allowing us to use an E-Passport for the chain of custody form, This will allow us to be more efficient in allowing our members to have the Chain of Custody forms right on their smartphones.
When you are picked for a Random Test, The MCBA coordinator will send you an email with the E-Passport that you will take with you to the testing site. Please contact us to ensure the address on file is correct, as you will be instructed to use the closest participating lab. (NOT YOUR OLD LAB) There, they will scan the bar code, you will drop your sample and we are done! Of course, we will be contacting people via email or phone to make sure this process goes as smoothly as possible.
If you need a letter for your License renewal, please submit a request to the MCBA Drug Coordinator via email. If you are working with Sea K Licensing and want us to send the letter directly, please note it as such.
The USCG is moving to paperless and recommends we do the same. So please make sure to have your current email on file with MCBA so we can get your MIS and all these important forms to you promptly.
MCBA is committed to helping our members maintain the high professional standards of a Michigan Charter Captain. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via the information below.
PHONE: 1-888-872-0294
Follow this link to the renewal section of the USCG website.
HELP WITH LICENSE RENEWAL
MCBA recommends you contact Lt. Commander, USCG (retired) Charles “Chuck “ Kakuska a Maritime Licensing Specialist,
Sea k’s Licensing has been assisting MCBA members for Many years and has the answers to your questions. We Highly recommend this service to MCBA members.
Give him a call at: (734)847-1723 or www.seakslicensing.com
The USCG Marine Safety Advisory issued notice to ensure that mariners, marine employers. Potential for Positive Drug Test Result from Use of Hemp-Plant Products There are some products marketed as hemp or cannabidiol (CBD) may contain enough tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This will cause a positive drug test!
In accordance with 46 CFR 16.201(c), an individual who fails a chemical test for dangerous drugs must be removed from duties directly affecting the safe operation of the vessel, and is subject to suspension and revocation proceedings against his or her credential under 46 CFR part 5. Use of hemp or CBD products is not accepted as an affirmative defense (acceptable excuse) against a THC-positive drug test result.
Captains and Mates should avoid any of the hemp or CBD product because such use could result in the loss of your license and immediate removal from safety sensitive duties aboard a vessel.
This warning applies to hemp and CBD products in any form, including those that are taken by mouth and those that are applied to the skin.
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