The International Framework for Seafarer Medical Fitness

Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

The MLC, 2006 — adopted by the International Labour Organization — is often called the “seafarers’ bill of rights”. Regulation 1.2 requires that seafarers do not work on a ship unless they are certified as medically fit to perform their duties. Standard A1.2 sets out how medical certificates are issued, by whom, and for how long they are valid.

STCW Convention

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) — adopted by the International Maritime Organization — sets medical standards in Regulation I/9 and Section A-I/9 of the STCW Code, including Table A-I/9 on minimum in-service eyesight standards.

ILO/IMO Guidelines on the medical examinations of seafarers

Published in 2011, these joint guidelines help competent authorities and medical examiners apply the conventions consistently. They cover the conduct of examinations, fitness criteria for common conditions, and minimum vision and hearing standards. They are guidance; the binding requirements are those set by each competent authority.

National implementation

Each country’s maritime authority turns these instruments into national law, publishes its own detailed medical standards and decides who may examine seafarers and issue certificates. That is why requirements, forms and examiner lists differ between countries — see requirements by country.