Seafarer Medical Requirements in Philippines
In the Philippines, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is the maritime administration for seafarer certification, while the Department of Health (DOH) accredits the medical facilities that examine overseas workers and seafarers.
This record has not yet been fully checked against the official source. Requirements change — always confirm with the maritime authority before your examination.
Applicable standards
Medical standards for seafarers apply the MLC, 2006 and STCW requirements as implemented in Philippine rules. DOH rules govern the accreditation of medical facilities for overseas workers and seafarers. MARINA and DOH have worked jointly on medical-assessment standards for these facilities.
Examination information
Seafarers commonly undergo a pre-employment medical examination (PEME) at a DOH-accredited facility before deployment. The tests required can depend on the employer, manning agency and flag state as well as national rules.
Approved / authorized medical examiners
Use a medical facility currently accredited by the DOH for overseas workers and seafarers. Check the facility's accreditation with the DOH before booking.
Medical certificate
International minimums (MLC, 2006 Standard A1.2 and STCW Regulation I/9) cap medical certificates at two years (one year for seafarers under 18) and colour-vision certification at six years. National rules may be stricter. Your employer or flag state may also specify a particular certificate format.
Vision
Eyesight and colour-vision standards follow STCW Section A-I/9 as applied nationally.
Hearing
Hearing is assessed as part of the medical examination; confirm the method with the facility.
Renewal
A new examination is generally required before each deployment or when the certificate expires. Confirm with your manning agency.
Required documentation
Typically: passport, Seafarer's Identification and Record Book (SIRB), previous medical certificate and relevant reports. Confirm with the facility and your agency.
Sources
- Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) — MARINA and DOH joint re-orientation for MFOWS on medical assessment for seafarers (opens in a new tab) (May 23, 2023)
- Department of Health — Administrative Order No. 181, s. 2004 — Revised rules on accreditation of medical facilities for overseas workers and seafarers (opens in a new tab) (January 1, 2004)
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SeafarerFit summarizes publicly available information for convenience. It is not affiliated with, approved by or acting for this authority, and this page is not an official statement of the rules. Country-Specific Regulatory Disclaimer