only require a civil and criminal background check, a related information-unless the previous employer acts basic reference check and a drug screen. It is important to with malice (i.e. knowingly or with reckless disregard be consistent with a pre-employment screening process. communicates false information). Employers are discouraged from conducting background In addition to background checks, most marine employchecks on certain candidates, while foregoing the process ers drug test their potential employees. Employers must with other candidates seeking the same or similar posi- consider the legal ramifications of administering drug tions. A comprehensive policy regarding reference checks tests to potential employees. Private employers may conwill allow the employer to verify all information provided (Continued on page 25) by the prospective employee on the application, as well as provide valuable insight on whether the employee will be Why Spend Too Much for Your AB to Mate a good fit for the company. It is the best Program When You Can Get ALL of the practice to have the individual that actuUSCG Approved Classes and Assessments ally interviewed the job applicant contact the references. Former employers are for Much Less in Sunny South Florida! generally the best reference for obtaining information related to the applicant's employment related qualifications and capabilities. If an applicant says that he or she cannot identify or allow you to contact a former employer at the present, employers can condition the offer of employment on a favorable report from that prior employer. Employers should Train at MPT, The Best Choice for 25 Years! not contact an applicant's current employer without the applicant's express USCG License Training Bridge Team Building OICNW/CMM Modules Virtual Sea Trials permission to avoid subjecting itself to AB to MATE Program Shiphandling claims of interference with the appliRFPNW Regulatory Training Deck & Engineer Training Accident Investigations cant's current employment. Employers Towing Vessel Licenses Dockside Maneuvering are often stymied in their efforts to gain ALL STCW Requirements Custom Vessel Digitizing DNV Class A 325� Bridge Emergency Maneuvering more information about potential Three Custom Designed Bridges Navigation / Radar / ARPA employees by reluctance on the part of STCW / IMO Assessments Heavy Weather Maneuvering Port Familiarization / Development All Levels of License Training former employers to provide any inforTwin Screw, Azipod, Z-Drive Models Crew Vetting / Interviews mation (aside from name and dates of Unlimited Potential for Custom Programs Tug to Ship Interactions employment) on the applicant for fear of A view from the top requires skill, determination & desire. Contact MPT to step up to the next level. future litigation. In most instances, depending upon the state you are operating in, employers are granted a "qualified privilege" to provide information to prospective employers. The basis for this MARITIME PROFESSIONAL TRAINING qualified privilege is that the public 1915 S. ANDREWS AVE., FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33316 interest is better served by encouraging +1.954.525.1014 � www.MPTusa.com � info@MPTusa.com accurate assessment of an employee's qualifications. The majority of states have enacted legislation to protect Financial Aid Approved employers from liability for communiAvailable! For Veteran's cating information about the employee's Training ability, job performance, or other work
www.marinelink.com MN 21