Seafarer Medical Requirements in Singapore
For ships registered in Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) sets the requirements for the medical examination and medical certification of seafarers through its shipping circulars.
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
MPA has issued guidelines on the medical examination of seafarers and the seafarer's medical certificate (see MPA shipping circulars, including Shipping Circular No. 11 of 2021). They implement MLC, 2006 and STCW requirements for Singapore-registered ships.
Examination information
Check the current MPA shipping circular for who may conduct the examination, the minimum content of the examination and the certificate format accepted for Singapore-registered ships.
Approved / authorized medical examiners
Confirm with MPA or your employer which medical practitioners and foreign certificates are accepted for service on Singapore-registered ships.
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.
Vision
Eyesight standards follow STCW Section A-I/9 as applied in MPA guidelines.
Hearing
See MPA guidelines for hearing requirements.
Renewal
Renew before expiry in accordance with the current MPA circular.
Sources
- Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore — Shipping Circular No. 11 of 2021 — Medical examination of seafarers and seafarer's medical certificate (opens in a new tab) (January 1, 2021)
- Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore — Overview of crewing a Singapore ship (opens in a new tab)
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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