Drug testing can prevent disasters at sea, says Seatrade exhibitor

An in-port drink and drug testing call sample service, plus an on-board sample collection kit, will be unveiled by Medscreen, Europe's largest substance abuse testing laboratory, at Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the region's premier exhibition and conference for the maritime industry.

The London company has a sales office in Kuwait and will also use Seatrade Middle East Maritime as an opportunity to find local joint venture partners to expand sales in what it sees as a growth market.

Business Development Manager Graham Birch said; "Substance abuse in the workplace is a serious issue anywhere but in the maritime industry it is crucial. The effects can literally be disastrous and there have been plenty of incidents over the years that ended in deaths and environmental disasters with ships going aground. That is why the maritime industry is particularly important to us."

He added: "Seatrade Middle East Maritime, because it is held in Dubai, will attract industry professionals from both the Far East and the Gulf. That is important to us as 30 per cent of our maritime business comes from these regions.

"The opening of the Iraq market will increase cruise tourism and also provide access to oil and transport companies which will offer significant opportunities."

The fourth Seatrade Middle East Cruise conference, which will run from December 6-7, will explore the region's cruise potential, including itinerary options and infrastructure development. It is part of the Seatrade event which runs from December 6 - 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

"The boom in the regional maritime industry has increased interest in this year's event, which will be three times bigger than last year," said Chris Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade.

"These are clear signs that the end of the war in Iraq has boosted confidence in the industry, which managed to expand last year in spite of regional uncertainty."

Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2004 is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. Organisations supporting the event include Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dubai Shipping Agents Association; National Association of Freight Logistics UAE Branch; Indian National Shipowners' Association; The Nautical Institute UAE Branch; and the UAE National Ship Suppliers' Association.

The event is principally sponsored by Dubai Maritime City; Dubai Ports Authority; the Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; Gulf Energy Maritime PJSC (GEM); and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).

Other sponsors include Aalborg Industries A/S (Dubai branch); Aqua Group; Arabian Adventures; British Airways; BP Marine ; Clyde & Co; Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre;HSBC; Lloyd's Register; Maritime London; Net Cruises; Nico International; Norton Rose; Scan-Trans Chartering LLC and Sharaf Shipping Agency LLC.