Addendum to amendment for seafarer medical examiner approval issued by India

The Directorate General of Shipping, India has published MS Notice No. 10 of 2024 as an addendum to the amendment to the procedure for approval of medical examiner of seafarers as per rule 4 of MS Medical Examination Rules 2000.

This notice was published on 31 May 2024.

The Directorate General of Shipping had previously revised parameters for approving medical examiners of seafarers as per MS Notice 08 of 2023, which faced grievances from the medical examiners regarding certain clauses.

Key Issues Addressed:

1. Ownership of Clinic/Premises (Clause 5(b) of Notice 08 of 2023):
   • Medical examiners were previously required to own a clinic or premises with specified infrastructure.
2. Upper Age Limit for Examiners (Clause 5(h) of Notice 08 of 2023):
   • An upper age limit was set for currently empanelled examiners.

Decisions from Stakeholder Meeting (2nd May 2024):

• No Age Bar: It was decided that there should be no age bar for medical examiners empanelled as of the date of issuance of MS Notice 08 of 2023.

Addendum Provisions:

For Doctors Without Own Clinic:

• Doctors employed by or in partnership with a clinic or hospital can conduct medical fitness examinations if they present valid documentation such as appointment letters, MoUs, or NOCs.
• A maximum of two approved medical examiners per clinic or hospital.

Address and Conduct Requirements:

• Examinations must be conducted at the registered address. Approval will be revoked if conducted elsewhere.
• Change of address requires prior approval.
• Clinics must notify the Directorate within one month of any doctor's departure.
• Approved doctors and associated labs are responsible for disputes or issues regarding Medical Fitness Certificates.

Revised Age Limit Provisions:

• No upper age limit for renewal of approval for medical examiners empanelled as of the date of issuance of this notice.
• Examiners over 70 years need to submit an annual medical fitness certificate.
• Approval validity is for five years or until the age of 75, whichever is earlier.
• Beyond 75 years, approval is renewed annually, subject to a fitness certificate and a biennial audit.

This addendum is effective immediately and issued with the approval of the Directorate General of Shipping.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

Addendum - 1 to the MS Notice No 08 of 2023 - Amendment to the Procedure for Approval of Medical Examiner of Seafarers as per Rule 4 of MS Medical Examination Rules 2000

Amendment to the Procedure for Approval of Medical Examiner of Seafarers as per Rule 4 of MS Medical Examination Rules 2000