A seafarer medical examination checks whether you meet the medical standards for your duties. Preparing well reduces stress and avoids delays.
1. Confirm the rules that apply to you
Check which authority’s rules apply — often your flag state or national maritime authority — and whether your employer or training institute has extra requirements. See requirements by country.
2. Book an authorized examiner
Use an examiner approved or recognised by the relevant authority. Confirm their status on the official list and ask what tests are included, whether you need to fast, and how long results take.
3. Gather documents
Use the medical checklist: identity documents, seafarer documents, previous certificate, reports, medication details and glasses or lenses.
4. Look after yourself in the days before
- Sleep well and stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours and heavy exercise the day before.
- Avoid loud noise before a hearing test.
- Take regular medicines as normal unless told otherwise.
5. Be open with the examiner
Answer medical-history questions fully and honestly. Many conditions are compatible with sea service, sometimes with limitations; examiners need complete information to decide fairly.
6. Understand the outcome
Ask the examiner to explain any limitation on your certificate and its expiry date. National rules usually provide a review or appeal process if you disagree with a decision.
Work through the medical preparation checker for a personalised summary.
Frequently asked questions
How should I prepare for a seafarer medical examination?
Confirm the rules for your country and role, book an authorized examiner, gather your documents, rest well beforehand, and answer the examiner's questions fully.
What documents should I take to my medical?
Typically identity and seafarer documents, your previous medical certificate, relevant medical reports, medication and prescription details, and your glasses or contact lenses. Requirements vary — confirm with your examiner.
Sources
- ILO / IMO — Guidelines on the medical examinations of seafarers (2011) (opens in a new tab)
- International Labour Organization — Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 — Regulation 1.2 (opens in a new tab)
Links go to the original publishers. SeafarerFit is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations.
SeafarerFit provides educational information, health calculators, screening tools and medical-examination preparation resources. It does not provide diagnosis, treatment, medical certification or official determination of fitness for sea service.