Medical Certificate for Seafarers
To work at sea, seafarers must possess a valid medical certificate issued in compliance with the provisions of the STCW Convention, Regulation 1/9, and the STCW Code, Section A-I/9. The ILO/WHO Guidelines for Conducting Medical Examinations of Seafarers serve as a recommended standard for these examinations.
Despite standardized guidelines, the methods for assessing medical fitness vary widely across countries. Cases still occur where seafarers with pre-existing conditions, undetected during mandatory medical examinations, require repatriation. Such situations can be costly and time-consuming, particularly if an unscheduled port call is needed to disembark the seafarer for medical treatment.
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) introduces specific requirements aimed at improving the working and living conditions of seafarers on board. Key aspects related to medical examinations and seafarer health include:
- Validity of the Medical Certificate: Certificates must be valid for at least two years for those under 18 and at least one year for those over 18, unless otherwise specified by national laws.
- Availability of Medical Examinations: Exams must be accessible to seafarers without undue delays in ports where they work or rest.
- Competence of Medical Examiners: Exams must be conducted by qualified medical practitioners authorized to perform such assessments. These professionals must understand the specific requirements of seafarer fitness and the unique demands of working at sea.
- Medical Fitness Standards: Countries must establish clear and transparent criteria for assessing seafarers’ fitness, including evaluations of vision, hearing, and general physical health.
- Confidentiality: Medical information must be handled confidentially, with restricted access.
- Right to Appeal: Seafarers have the right to contest the results of medical examinations if they believe the process was unfair or inaccurate.
- Prevention and Medical Assistance: Shipowners must take measures to prevent occupational illnesses and ensure the availability of medical knowledge, supplies, and equipment on board for first aid and emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a medical certificate expires during a voyage?
Under Standard A1.2, paragraph 9, a certificate expiring mid-voyage remains valid until the next port where the seafarer can obtain a new one from a qualified medical practitioner. However, the extension must not exceed three months.
Can a ship’s doctor issue a medical certificate?
The competence to issue medical certificates depends on the flag state’s authority. Standard A1.2, paragraph 4 stipulates that qualified medical practitioners must be entirely independent in their medical judgment. This requirement may not be met if the ship’s doctor is employed by the shipowner.
Is a medical certificate issued in the seafarer’s home country valid for a ship under another flag?
Per the MLC, a certificate is valid if issued by a duly qualified doctor. However, the flag state of the specific ship determines whether the issuing doctor is appropriately recognized. Some flag states accept certificates issued abroad, while others require examinations by doctors approved by the flag state.
This framework ensures that seafarers meet consistent medical fitness standards while addressing variations across national and flag state regulations.