The Norwegian Sea Health Conference 2014, Bergen, 27-28th August 2014

1. 1
THE NORWEGIAN SEA HEALTH CONFERENCE 2014 MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF SEAFARERS - TOWARDS INTERNATIONAL CONSENSUS?
Medical fitness as a qualification for work as a seafarer - are the STCW requirements sufficient to avoid health- related risks on board ships?
Milhar Fuazudeen Head, Maritime Training and Human Element Section Maritime Safety Division, International Maritime Organization

2. Current standards

3. Seafarers’ Medical Standards and Guidelines
ILO/IMO Guidance
Guidance
STCW
Section B- I/9
Mandatory
STCW
Regulation I/9
Mandatory
STCW
Section A-I/9
National standards, medical practitioner competence

4. 4
Mandatory requirements
STCW Convection, Regulation I/9
STCW Code, Section A-I/9
National provisions (as applicable)

5. 5
Guidance to assist Parties to the STCW Convention
STCW Code, Section B-I/9
ILO/IMO Guidelines on the medical examination of seafarers

6. 6
STCW requirements
Internationally agreed minimum standards for training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers
Parties should take into account:
standards in section A-I/9
minimum physical abilities set out in table B-I/9
Parties should follow the guidance in the ILO/IMO Guidelines on the medical examination of seafarers

7. 7
The STCW standards
Party establishes Standards of physical and medical fitness
Parties shall adhere to the minimum in-service eyesight standards set out in table A-I/9 and take into account the criteria for physical and medical fitness
Party shall provide guidance for the conduct of medical fitness examinations and issuing of medical certificates

8. 8
Fitness for duty is dependent on the physical abilities of seafarers
Identified Shipboard tasks, functions, events or conditions and the related physical ability
Medical certificate - valid for a two year period
Aim of the medical examination
ILO and IMO Guidance for medical examination of seafarers

9. 9
Risk management
Causal factors and risks on board
Impact on the fitness, health and well-being of seafarers
Fatigue & Fatigue mitigation
Hours of work and rest regulations

10. 10
Medical fitness - a pre-requisite qualification for work as a seafarer?
Are current STCW Convention standards sufficient?
What standards should be applied
Should standards encompass all possible risks associated with work on board
Can seafarer performance be measured against every possible risk and hazard on board?

11. 11
Are more robust and stringent international standards of medical fitness for seafarers – is this the answer?
Qualified, competent, long-standing seafarers not suitable any longer
Shortages of trained, competent and qualified crew
Achieve international consensus - Organizations, Member States and industry
Thank you