Take your crew’s health and safety further with maritime medical services from Logic Health.
Working at sea places unique demands on the body and mind. Seafarers must be able to stand watch, respond quickly in emergencies, handle equipment safely and work long shifts in changing conditions, often far from medical help. A maritime medical confirms that a seafarer is fit to do this safely, for themselves, their crew and the vessel.
An AMSA medical examination
The purpose of an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) medical examination is to assist Medical Inspectors of Seafarers (MIS) to determine whether a seafarer is medically fit to perform their duties at sea. The examination identifies any medical condition that could affect a seafarer’s ability to work safely, respond in an emergency, or put others on board at risk.
Seafarer medical fitness in Australia is regulated by AMSA under Marine Order 76 (Health – medical fitness). Each assessment is carried out against AMSA’s medical standards for the seafarer’s role on board.
Who needs a maritime medical?
A maritime medical is required for:
- Seafarers applying for, renewing or upgrading a certificate of competency
- Domestic (near coastal) commercial vessel crew, including Masters, Coxswains, Engineers and General-Purpose Hands
- International (STCW) seafarers working on regulated Australian vessels
- Workers in ports, marine contracting, offshore support and vessel operations, where employers require a pre-employment or periodic medical
What does a maritime medical include?
The maritime medical is designed to assess the physical and mental fitness needed for safe duties at sea. Depending on your role and certificate, it may include:
- General medical examination and medical history review
- Vision assessment
- Colour vision testing
- Hearing assessment
- Height, weight and blood pressure
- Cardiovascular and respiratory assessment
- Neurological and mental health assessment
- Musculoskeletal and mobility assessment
- Drug and alcohol screening (employer requirement)
- · Additional tests such as audiometry, spirometry, ECG or blood tests where required
After the assessment, a seafarer may be found:
- Fit for duty – no restrictions
- Fit with restrictions – for example, glasses or hearing aids must be worn on duty, or certain tasks are limited
- Temporarily or permanently unfit – further tests or specialist reports may be required before reassessment
Maritime medical certificates are usually valid for up to two years. Younger and older seafarers may need more frequent reviews, and anyone with a medical condition affecting their fitness may need to renew earlier.
