C1.2.e. Who can issue a seafarers’ medical certificate?

Under Standard A1.2, paragraph 4 of the MLC, 2006 medical certificates can be issued by a duly qualified medical practitioner or, in the case of a certificate solely concerning eyesight, by a person recognized by the competent authority [see A25.] as qualified to issue such a certificate. Practitioners must enjoy full professional independence in exercising their medical judgement in undertaking medical examination procedures. The competent authority in the flag State should decide who is a duly qualified practitioner for this purpose. Practices may vary among countries. However, in most cases the competent authority will produce a list that includes medical practitioners located in other countries that it recognizes as duly qualified to provide a certificate for seafarers working on ships that fly its flag.

Medical certificate