GUIDELINES ON THE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS OF SEAFARERS

The officially released ILO guidelines to be used for the medical examination of the people working at sea. the document was endorsed by the ILO and IMO MSC and will provide required complementary advice to the competent authorities as well as medical personnel and stakeholders of the maritime industry on proper application of the provisions of MLC 2006 and STCW 1978 conventions.

All seafarers shall undergo periodical medical examination in order to reduce the risks to the safety of the vessel and other crew members. This is a must-do to safeguard the health and safety of the personnel. Both conventions listed above require seafarers to hold a formal certificate of medical examination - subject certificate would normally have detailed information and indicate particular fitness aspects that should be assessed.

The intention was to provide the authorities with the recognized set of specific criteria - these criteria may be used either directly or, otherwise, they may serve as a basis when developing the national standards in line with the internationally recognized requirements. The guidelines are presented in consistent manner and shall be of practical use for all parties concerned.