Sea pilots' medical fitness and psychological aptitude

Medical examinations of sea pilots ensure safety

Sea pilots ensure safety of maritime navigation and they prevent collisions and other accidents of seagoing ships with their piloting consultation for particular maritime areas. Hence why, specific requirements apply regarding the medical fitness and psychological aptitude of the pilots. 

To become a sea pilot, certification as sea pilot aspirant. Conditions for this are among other things:

• the physical and mental fitness required for sea pilots verified in a medical examination by a recognized medical practitioner and
• proof of psychological aptitude with a test by the Maritime Medical Service.

The physical and mental fitness required for sea pilots must be verified before the psychological aptitude test may take place.

The proof of physical and mental fitness must be renewed every three years.
The proof of psychological aptitude is valid indefinitely.

More information about the work of a sea pilot  can be found on the websites www.bundeslotsenkammer.de and www.lotsen.de.