Marshall Islands issued updated guidance on seafarers' medical exams and certificates

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator, in June 2024, issued updated instructions regarding medical examinations and certificates for seafarers.

1. Purpose

The Marine Guideline aims to provide clear guidance on the medical certification requirements that seafarers must meet according to international standards and the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). It specifically addresses compliance with the STCW Convention (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), as well as RMI Maritime Regulations.

2. Applicability

This Guideline applies to:

• Seafarers: Individuals employed on merchant ships under the RMI flag.
• Recruitment Placement Services (RPSs): Entities involved in the placement of seafarers.

3. Guidance

3.1 Medical Examinations

• Requirement: Seafarers are prohibited from working on RMI-flagged vessels unless certified as medically fit.
• Frequency: Initial medical exams before employment and subsequent exams every two years, or more frequently if required by STCW Convention regulations.
• Age-specific Requirements: Annual exams for seafarers under 18 years old.
• Urgent Cases: Provision for newly hired seafarers to work temporarily without a valid medical certificate until the next port of call where they can obtain one.

3.2 Medical Practitioners

• Recognition: Only medical practitioners recognized by competent national authorities should conduct medical exams.
• Responsibility: Competent authorities are responsible for regulating and maintaining lists of recognized practitioners.
• Authorization: Only recognized practitioners can sign the RMI Maritime Administrator's Medical Examination Report/Certificate (MI-105M).

3.3 Medical Certificates

• Purpose: A medical certificate confirms that a seafarer is physically and mentally fit for duty.
• Compliance: Certificates issued according to STCW Convention standards also meet MLC, 2006 requirements.
• Details: Must cover specific health assessments as required by RMI Maritime Regulations and IMO Circulars.

3.4 Fitness for Duty

• Criteria: Medical practitioners determine fitness based on performance requirements outlined in IMO Circular STCW.7/Circ.19/Rev.1.
• Limitations: If a seafarer is unfit for certain duties due to health reasons, the medical certificate should specify limitations or adaptations.

3.5 Additional Health Issues

• Vaccinations: Although not internationally mandated, seafarers are advised to follow WHO guidelines for vaccinations.
• Communicable Diseases: Seafarers diagnosed with or exposed to communicable diseases may face restrictions from certain duties.
• Mental Health: Recommendations for mental health evaluations after traumatic incidents like piracy.

4. Appeals Procedures

• Process: Seafarers can appeal if denied medical certification or issued with limitations.
• Documentation: Requires submission of a written appeal and additional medical documentation.
• Review: The Administrator reviews appeals and issues written responses.
• Limits: Maximum of three appeals per case.

5. Protected Health Information

• Definition: Defines Protected Health Information (PHI) and emphasizes privacy rights.
• Confidentiality: Requires medical records to be marked as confidential and used only for health assessment purposes.
• Access: Seafarers have the right to access and receive copies of their medical data.

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

Guidance on Medical Exams and Certificates for Seafarers