1

THE NORWEGIAN SEA HEALTH CONFERENCE 2014

MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF SEAFARERS - TOWARDS

INTERNATIONAL CONSENSUS?

Medical fitness as a qualification for work as a seafarer - are the STCW requirements sufficient to avoid health-

related risks on board ships?

Milhar Fuazudeen Head, Maritime Training and Human Element Section

Maritime Safety Division, International Maritime Organization

Current standards

Seafarers’ Medical

Standards and Guidelines

ILO/IMO Guidance

Guidance

STCW

Section B- I/9

Mandatory

STCW

Regulation I/9

Mandatory

STCW Section A-I/9

National standards,

medical practitioner competence

4

Mandatory requirements

STCW Convection, Regulation I/9

STCW Code, Section A-I/9

National provisions (as applicable)

5

Guidance to assist Parties to the STCW Convention

STCW Code, Section B-I/9

ILO/IMO Guidelines on the medical examination of seafarers

6

STCW requirements

Internationally agreed minimum standards for training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers

Parties should take into account:

standards in section A-I/9

minimum physical abilities set out in table B-I/9

Parties should follow the guidance in the ILO/IMO Guidelines on the medical examination of seafarers

7

The STCW standards Party establishes Standards of physical and medical

fitness Parties shall adhere to the minimum in-service

eyesight standards set out in table A-I/9 and take into account the criteria for physical and medical fitness

Party shall provide guidance for the conduct of

medical fitness examinations and issuing of medical certificates

8

Fitness for duty is dependent on the physical abilities of seafarers

Identified Shipboard tasks, functions, events or conditions and the related physical ability

Medical certificate - valid for a two year period

Aim of the medical examination

ILO and IMO Guidance for medical examination of seafarers

9

Risk management

Causal factors and risks on board

Impact on the fitness, health and well-being of seafarers

Fatigue & Fatigue mitigation

Hours of work and rest regulations

10

Medical fitness - a pre-requisite qualification for work as a seafarer?

Are current STCW Convention standards sufficient?

What standards should be applied

Should standards encompass all possible risks associated with work on board

Can seafarer performance be measured against every possible risk and hazard on board?

11

Are more robust and stringent international standards of medical fitness for seafarers – is this the answer?

Qualified, competent, long-standing seafarers not suitable any longer

Shortages of trained, competent and qualified crew

Achieve international consensus - Organizations, Member States and industry

Thank you