Overview:
Step one to becoming a seafarer is ensuring that you are fit for the job you will do on a day-to-day basis and during emergencies.
Seafarers are required to undergo medical examinations to reduce risks to other crew members and for the safe operation of the vessel and safeguard their personal health and safety. A medical examination will determine if you have a health condition that could result in you needing urgent treatment or potentially put fellow crew or passengers’ lives at risk.
A medical certificate issued in accordance with the requirements of the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended, also meets the requirements of the MLC, 2006. Ensure that your national seafarers’ fitness certificate is issued under these guidelines before completing the examination. If you are to work on a UK registered vessel, you will require either an ENG1, an ML5, or equivalent.
Prerequisites:
Be at least 16 years of age.
Although you’ll be told what to take when you make your appointment, the general requirements that you will need to provide are:
- your current ENG1 certificate or equivalent;
- any medication you’re taking;
- any glasses or contact lenses you‘re using, and spares (no colour correction lenses);
- the name and telephone number of your doctor (general practitioner; GP);
- any reports or letters from your GP, if you’ve recently been to the hospital or under a consultant; and,
- an official form of ID that has a photo: a passport, a photocard driving licence, an official student pass with photo (for new entrants), a discharge book.
Duration:
Depending on where you complete your medical examination, it typically takes 30-40 minutes and is non-invasive. Regardless of where you complete the examination, the following points should be covered:
- your medical history will be discussed with the doctor or a practice nurse;
- weight and measurements taken;
- you will be asked to provide a urine sample;
- your hearing and eyesight (for distance, colour and near vision) will be tested; and,
- you will be given a physical examination (you will be asked to undress to your underclothes).