Medical certificate evidencing fitness fMedical certificate evidencing fitness for work in a sea-going vessel

Medical certificate evidencing fitness

for work in a sea-going vessel

1. A medical certificate in respect of a person may only be issued by a duly qualified medical practitioner who, being satisfied after conducting such examinations, tests and interviews and making such enquires in relation to the person as appear appropriate, is satisfied that the person is medically fit to serve on a ship.

2. In deciding on fitness for service, the medical practitioner is, in addition to normal medical fitness considerations, to have regard to the age of the person and the nature of the duties to be performed.

3. A medical certificate is to attest:

   (a) that the hearing and sight of the person and, in the case of a person to be employed in the deck department, colour vision, are all satisfactory; (b) that the person is not suffering from any disease likely to be aggravated by, or to render the person unfit for, service at sea or likely to endanger the health of other persons on board.

4. A medical certificate is to remain in force for a period not exceeding 2 years from the date on which it was granted.

5. Colour vision needs to be examined only every 6 years.

6. If the period of validity of a medical certificate expires in the course of a voyage, the certificate is to continue in force until the end of that voyage.

7. A person who has been refused a medical certificate is entitled to a second examination by a medical practitioner who is independent of any shipowner or of any organisation of shipowners or seafarers.

8. A person who is the holder of a valid medical certificate may at any time be required by the owner or master of a ship to obtain a new certificate where as a result of illness, injury or other cause it is believed the person may no longer meet appropriate minimum standards.

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