8/13 – Medical fitness for sea-service

Since the Maritime Labour Act came into effect in August 2013, crew members on merchant ships flying the German Flag may also hold foreign medical fitness certificates, provided they comply with the STCW Code. This is regulated in Section 12(7) of the Maritime Labour Act (SeeArbG). Previously, only German medical fitness certificates were permitted.

Medical fitness certificates are considered STCW-compliant if they contain the prescribed minimum information in accordance with Section A-I/9 paragraph 7 of the STCW Code (including, among other things, the issuing authority, hearing and visual acuity, colour vision, and the seafarer’s signature). In addition, every physician authorized to conduct medical fitness examinations and issue certificates must be listed in a public registry maintained by the flag state (Section A-I/9, paragraph 4 of the STCW Code).

German certificates of medical fitness for sea service are STCW-compliant.