Random testing for commercial aviation and maritime: Commission welcomes Government announcement

10 Feb 2016

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has welcomed the Government’s announcement today of its intention to introduce random drug and alcohol testing in the commercial aviation and maritime sectors. 

“The consumption of alcohol, cannabis or use of other performance-impairing substances has featured repeatedly in accidents investigated by the Commission,” said Chief Commissioner Helen Cull, QC. 

"Over the 10 years to the beginning of 2014, we have investigated eight occurrences where persons performing safety-critical roles in the operation of aircraft, vessels or rail vehicles have tested positive for performance-impairing substances.  Forty-one people died in these accidents, including the 11 killed in the hot-air ballooning accident in Carterton, one of New Zealand’s worst aviation disasters.” 

Helen Cull said the detrimental effects of drugs and alcohol on cognitive abilities have been well documented.