Yes. According to IMO (International Maritime organization, under United Nations), all crew must have an in-depth medical examination. This PEME (Pre-Employment Medical Examination) is also flag specific. (ships have different flag states, such as Norwegian, UK, Bahamas, Malta, Bermuda, etc.. – this means where the ship was registered).

For that reason, depending on the ship you are hired to work for, we will provide you the authorized facilities for that company or ship flag-state. Prices may vary as the requirements may also be different.

You have to complete medicals and receive a FFD (Fit-For-Duty Certificate) before leaving for the ship. It is an IMO requirement, and most importantly,  in your best interest that you are travelling knowing that you are in good health; you must be healthy as per their guidelines and for your safety as you will be in an environment that may impose extra stress and be far away most of the time from the coast. The employer will do everything they can to save your life and keep you healthy. Still, you must pass this Medical Certification and obtain your FIT FOR DUTY from a PRE-APPROVED FACILITY only.

Please note that we are not doctors or nurses and therefore, we cannot know if you will qualify for a FFD or not at the time of your interview.

We highly recommend that you disclose all health issues to the physicians and do not lie, NEVER. Fistly, because your health and life should be more important than getting the job and putting yourself at risk, if you have any pre-existing condition. Ultimately, if the company (your employer) finds out that you lied on your initial questionnaire, they may terminate your contract at cause for false information provided.

We’ve seen this happen many times, so do not think this is not possible to happen. Always chose to BE HONEST.

As per IMO, you may not be able to obtain a job onboard a ship if:

  •   You are pregnant
  •   You suffer from certain heart diseases or have suffered a stroke, epilepsy, heart attacks, severe diabetes depending on insulin, or have been hospitalized in the past year for any severe health issues that could be life-threatening.
  •   Has hip replacement, has had back issues or joint surgeries recently, is under physiotherapy, cannot carry weight or walk/stand for long hours.
  •   You have or had recently bronchitis or asthma, or any respiratory conditions.
  •   All those conditions will need to be analyzed by approved physicians who base their decisions on many variables.

If you have a condition that worries you, please ask your recruiter for the closest approved facility information so you can confirm with them if that concern may refrain you from about this job onboard.

The medical is a thorough exam that involves taking blood tests, urinalysis, blood pressure, eye, hearing, and lung function tests, as well as a chest x-ray to identify if you have or had tuberculosis in the past.

They are testing that you are physically fit to work on board. Please note that a drug test will also be conducted as ships are 100 % drug-free environments; no exceptions apply. Some medications that may be legal in your own country, could be considered illegal in the USA. We advise you to refrain from taking any codeine based pain killers prior to performing your ship medical examination.

Failure of the medical or drug test will result in a “non-fit for duty” certificate or the termination of your contract (if you are already onboard). In most cases, it is your responsibility to pay for your medical exam, and the cost may vary from U$140 to U$900 depending on your country and if you need extra exams from the usual list. Some clinics may also charge for necessary vaccines if you did not take them or if you cannot prove you took them.