ILO/WHO/D.2/1997

Guidelines for Conducting Pre-sea and Periodic Medical Fitness Examinations for Seafarers

International Labour Office, Geneva

World Health Organization, Geneva

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Contents:

Background
Introduction

I. Purpose of the Guidelines
II. Contents and use of the Guidelines
III. Relevant standards of and guidance from the International Labour Organization, International Maritime Organization and the World Health Organization .
IV. Purpose and contents of the medical certificate
V. The right of privacy
VI. Qualifications of medical examiners
VII. Appeals procedures
VIII. Aspects of the seafaring life which are relevant to the medical examination of seafarers .
IX. Type and frequency of medical examinations
X. The conduct of medical examinations
XI. Vaccination requirements for seafarers

Annex A - Minimum in-service eyesight standards
Annex B - Minimum in-service hearing standards
Annex C - Medical conditions which should be considered when deciding whether to issue medical certificates to seafarers
Annex D - Minimum requirements for the medical examination of seafarers
Annex E - Medical certificate for service at sea (sample)
Annex F - Collection, processing and communication

Background

Requests for the development of international, harmonized standards concerning the medical examination of seafarers have arisen during meetings at the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Fitness standards for seafarers vary widely. It is, therefore, desirable that an international standard be developed for pre-sea and periodic examinations. Doctors performing such examinations should have a clear understanding of the special requirements of seafaring life.

In June-July 1995, the Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Conference), which met in London at IMO headquarters, adopted resolution No. 9, Development of international standards of medical fitness for seafarers, which, inter alia, invited the IMO, in cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization, to develop international standards of medical fitness for seafarers.

In accordance with decisions taken by the Governing Body of the International Labour Office at its 268th Session (Geneva, March 1997) and the 49th Session of the World Health Assembly (May 1996), an ILO/WHO Consultation on Guidelines for Conducting Pre-sea and Periodic Medical Fitness Examinations for Seafarers was held in Geneva from 25 to 27 November 1997. The Consultation was attended by four experts (two Shipowners and two Seafarers), appointed following consultations with the Employers' group and the Workers' group of the Governing Body of the International Labour Office, and four experts appointed by the World Health Organization. The Consultation reviewed and finalized a set of draft Guidelines and adopted these Guidelines for Conducting Pre-sea and Medical Fitness Examinations for Seafarers.

At its 271st Session (March 1998), the Governing Body of the International Labour Office took note of the report of the Consultation and authorized the Director-General, in consultation with the Director-General of the World Health Organization, to publish the Guidelines.