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.