UK MCA issues Merchant Shipping Notice
The UK MCA has issued Merchant Shipping Notice regarding Medical Certification according to the mandatory fitness standards specifed by the Secretary of State under theMerchant Shiping (Maritme Labour Convention)(Medical Certifcation) Regulations2010, as amended (“the 2010 Regulations”)
The notice contains guidance on the application and provisions of the 2010 Regulations, including:
- how to obtain a seafarer medical certifcate
- validity of a seafarer medical certifcate
- medical standards and categories of medical fitness
- the medical review (“appeal”) system
- revised medical and eyesight Standards
- addreses of MCA Marine Offices where lantern tests are held
The 2010 Regulations are also the statutory basis for:
- use of the ML5 medical report and certifcate for seafarers on certain smal vesels;
- the requirement for a seafarer to report a signifcant change in their medical conditon,or an absence from work of 30 days or more;
- the right of Approved Doctors to make an administrative charge for the issue of duplicate certifcates
Further details may be found by reading the UK MSN 1839
The medical fitness test has to be conducted at Approved Centres listed under DG shipping