Section B-I/9 Guidance regarding medical standards
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40

Section B-I/9 Guidance regarding medical standards

Medical Examination and Certification

1 Parties, in establishing seafarer medical fitness standards and provisions, should take into account the minimum physical abilities set out in table B-I/9 and the guidance given within this section, bearing in mind the different duties of seafarers.

  2 Parties, in establishing seafarer medical fitness standards and provisions, should follow the guidance contained in the ILO/WHO publication Guidelines for Conducting Pre-sea and Periodic Medical Fitness Examinations for Seafarers, including any subsequent versions, and any other applicable international guidelines published by the International Labour Organization, the International Maritime Organization or the World Health Organization.

  3 Appropriate qualifications and experience for medical practitioners conducting medical fitness examinations of seafarers may include occupational health or maritime health qualifications, experience of working as a ship’s doctor or a shipping company doctor or working under the supervision of someone with the aforementioned qualifications or experience.

  4 The premises where medical fitness examinations are carried out should have the facilities and equipment required to carry out medical fitness examination of seafarers.

  5 Administrations should ensure that recognized medical practitioners enjoy full professional independence in exercising their medical judgement when undertaking medical examination procedures.

  6 Persons applying for a medical certificate should present to the recognized medical practitioner appropriate identity documentation to establish their identity. They should also surrender their previous medical certificate.

  7 Each Administration has the discretionary authority to grant a variance or waiver of any of the standards set out in table B-I/9 hereunder, based on an assessment of a medical evaluation and any other relevant information concerning an individual’s adjustment to the condition and proven ability to satisfactorily perform assigned shipboard functions.

  8 The medical fitness standards should, so far as possible, define objective criteria with regard to fitness for sea service, taking into account access to medical facilities and medical expertise on board ship. They should, in particular, specify the conditions under which seafarers suffering from potentially life-threatening medical conditions that are controlled by medication may be allowed to continue to serve at sea.

  9 The medical standards should also identify particular medical conditions, such as colour blindness, which might preclude seafarers holding particular positions on board ship.

  10 The minimum in-service eyesight standards in each eye for unaided distance vision should be at least 0.1footnote.

  11 Persons requiring the use of spectacles or contact lenses to perform duties should have a spare pair or pairs, as required, conveniently available on board the ship. Any need to wear visual aids to meet the required standards should be recorded on the medical fitness certificate issued.

  12 Colour vision testing should be in accordance with the International Recommendation for Colour Vision Requirements for Transport, published by the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE 143-2001 including any subsequent versions) or equivalent test methods.

Table B-I/9 Assessment of minimum entry level and in-service physical abilities for seafarers3

Shipboard task, function, event or condition3 Related physical ability A medical examiner should be satisfied that the candidate 4
  • Routine movement around vessel:
  • - on moving deck
  • - between levels
  • - between compartments
 Maintain balance and move with agility
Climb up and down vertical ladders and stairways Step over coamings (e.g., Load Line Convention requires coamings to be 600 mm high)
Open and close watertight doors 		Has no disturbance in sense of balance Does not have any impairment or disease that prevents relevant movements and physical activities

Is, without assistance5, able to:
- climb vertical ladders and stairways
- step over high sills
- manipulate door closing systems
Note 1 applies to this row    
  • Routine tasks on board:
  • - Use of hand tools
  • - Movement of ship’s stores
  • - Overhead work
  • - Valve operation
  • - Standing a four
  • -hour watch
  • - Working in confined spaces
  • - Responding to alarms, warnings and instructions
  • - Verbal communication
 Strength, dexterity and stamina to manipulate mechanical devices Lift, pull and carry a load (e.g., 18 kg)

Reach upwards Stand, walk and remain alert for an extended period

Work in constricted spaces and move through restricted openings (e.g., SOLAS requires minimum openings in cargo spaces and emergency escapes to have the minimum dimensions of 600 mm × 600 mm – SOLAS regulation 3.6.5.1)

Visually distinguish objects, shapes and signals Hear warnings and instructions Give a clear spoken description 		Does not have a defined impairment or diagnosed medical condition that reduces ability to perform routine duties essential to the safe operation of the vessel

Has ability to:
- work with arms raised
- stand and walk for an extended period
- enter confined space
- fulfil eyesight standards (table A-I/9)
- fulfil hearing standards set by competent authority or take account of international guidelines
- hold normal conversation
Note 1 applies to this row    
Emergency duties 6 on board:
- Escape
- Fire-fighting
- Evacuation 		Don a lifejacket or immersion suit Escape from smoke-filled spaces

Take part in fire-fighting duties, including use of breathing apparatus Take part in vessel evacuation procedures 		Does not have a defined impairment or diagnosed medical condition that reduces ability to perform emergency duties essential to the safe operation of the vessel

Has ability to:
- don lifejacket or immersion suit
- crawl
- feel for differences in temperature
- handle fire-fighting equipment
- wear breathing apparatus (where required as part of duties)
Note 2 applies to this row    
  • Notes:

  • 1 Rows 1 and 2 of the above table describe (a) ordinary shipboard tasks, functions, events and conditions, (b) the corresponding physical abilities which may be considered necessary for the safety of a seafarer, other crew members and the ship, and (c) high-level criteria for use by medical practitioners assessing medical fitness, bearing in mind the different duties of seafarers and the nature of shipboard work for which they will be employed.

  • 2 Row 3 of the above table describes (a) ordinary shipboard tasks, functions, events and conditions, (b) the corresponding physical abilities which should be considered necessary for the safety of a seafarer, other crew members and the ship, and (c) high-level criteria for use by medical practitioners assessing medical fitness, bearing in mind the different duties of seafarers and the nature of shipboard work for which they will be employed.

  • 3 This table is not intended to address all possible shipboard conditions or potentially disqualifying medical conditions. Parties should specify physical abilities applicable to the category of seafarers (such as “Deck officer” and “Engine rating”). The special circumstances of individuals and for those who have specialized or limited duties should receive due consideration.

  • 4 If in doubt, the medical practitioner should quantify the degree or severity of any relevant impairment by means of objective tests, whenever appropriate tests are available, or by referring the candidate for further assessment.

  • 5 The term “assistance” means the use of another person to accomplish the task.
  • 6 The term “emergency duties” is used to cover all standard emergency response situations such as abandon ship or fire fighting as well as the procedures to be followed by each seafarer to secure personal survival.
Parent topic: Chapter I – Guidance regarding general provisions
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