Seafarer Medical Examination: Why It’s Crucial for Life at Sea

The world’s shipping industry relies heavily on the physical and mental fitness of its workforce — the seafarers. These professionals navigate the globe under demanding conditions, often working long hours, handling heavy machinery, and enduring weeks or months away from land. To ensure they are fit for duty, a mandatory process known as the Seafarer Medical Examination is carried out before they step aboard.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what the seafarer medical examination entails, why it’s essential, and how seafarers can prepare for it.

What Is a Seafarer Medical Examination?

A Seafarer Medical Examination is a health assessment conducted to certify that a seafarer is medically fit to perform their duties at sea without risk to themselves or others. It is a legal requirement under international maritime regulations such as:

• The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

• The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006

These examinations must be conducted by approved medical practitioners recognized by maritime authorities in the relevant country.

Objectives of the Examination

1. Ensure safety at sea — both for the individual and their crew.

2. Prevent medical emergencies while at sea where access to healthcare is limited.

3. Detect chronic or infectious diseases that could compromise the individual’s ability to perform their job.

4. Ensure compliance with international and flag state regulations.

What Does the Medical Examination Involve?

Though exact protocols may vary by country and job role, a typical medical exam includes the following components:

1. Medical History Review

• Personal and family history of illness

• Previous surgeries or hospitalizations

• History of substance use (alcohol, drugs)

2. Physical Examination

• Height and weight

• Blood pressure and pulse

• Vision and color perception tests

• Hearing test

• Cardiovascular and respiratory system check

• Musculoskeletal assessment

• Neurological screening

3. Laboratory Tests

• Blood tests (e.g., glucose, cholesterol, liver function)

• Urinalysis

• Chest X-ray (in some countries)

• Drug and alcohol screening

4. Psychological Assessment

Some roles may require basic mental health screenings to ensure emotional stability under stressful conditions.

Medical Certificate of Fitness

Once the examination is complete, the seafarer will receive a Medical Certificate of Fitness if they pass. This document is valid for:

• 2 years for most seafarers

• 1 year for those under 18 or with medical conditions requiring follow-up

This certificate must be carried while on duty and is required during inspections by port state control authorities or employers.

Common Reasons for Medical Disqualification

• Poor eyesight or color blindness (for navigation roles)

• Uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension

• Severe psychiatric conditions

• Epilepsy or seizures

• Substance dependence

• Poor hearing (for engine room or communication roles)

Tips to Prepare for the Medical Exam

• Get enough sleep before the exam.

• Avoid alcohol or any drugs not prescribed by a doctor.

• Bring your eyeglasses or hearing aids if you use them.

• Carry relevant medical records if you have a chronic condition.

• Stay hydrated and relaxed – stress can affect blood pressure readings.

Conclusion

The Seafarer Medical Examination is more than just a formality — it’s a vital checkpoint to ensure that those who work at sea can do so safely and effectively. For shipping companies, it’s a legal requirement and a critical part of risk management. For seafarers, it's a personal assurance of their fitness to take on one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in the world.

Being medically fit doesn’t just help a seafarer perform better — it can mean the difference between life and death in emergencies where healthcare is days away. So, treat the medical exam with the seriousness it deserves.