Marine Advisory: 06/2022 - Requirements for Issuance of Medical Certificates for Seafarers, Philippines

04, March 2022

Marine Advisory: 06/2022

Subject: Requirements for Issuance of Medical Certificates for Seafarers, Philippines

Dear Shipowners/Operators/Masters, Filing Agents, Manning Agents, and Medical Practitioners,

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to provide information on the issuance of medical certificates to seafarers aboard Liberian flagged vessels issued from approved medical practitioners in the Philippines.

The Liberian Registry will establish a new requirement wherein the Administration shall confer recognition to medical practitioners to conduct medical evaluations of seafarers prior to their employment aboard Liberian flagged ships. This recognition will authorize medical practitioners that have been reviewed, approved, and follow the requirements set forth by the Administration to issue valid Medical Certificates, these requirements will be communicated directly to the medical practitioners.

This program will commence on 02 May, 2022, starting first in the Philippines, given the high volume of seafarers from that nation. The Liberian Registry shall maintain an approved list of qualified medical practitioners that are authorized by the Republic of the Philippines to carry out medical examinations of seafarers in the that country in accordance with STCW 1978 as amended and MLC 2006. Medical Examinations of seafarers may only be conducted by those medical practitioners approved by the Administration; using the format of medical certificate set forth by the Administration from the date of commencement onward.

No action is needed to be taken by the ship owners, operators, or managers at this time. Filing Agents will be made aware of the requirements of the Medical Certificate form, and to ensure that only the medical practitioners listed as approved may issue the medical certificates.

The medical practitioners qualified and recognized by the Republic of the Philippines who request recognition from the Liberian Registry must submit to the Seafarers Certification and Documentation Department (SCD) in compliance with the requirements which will be set forth for them. The SCD Department shall maintain a list of doctors recognized in the Republic of the Philippines to perform medical examinations of seafarers and issue valid medical certificates.

The medical recognition of the seafarers and the medical certificates issued by the doctors recognized in the Republic of the Philippines must contain the minimum requirements established in section A-I/9 of the amended STCW 78.

In the future additional countries will be added to this program, and such information shall be disseminated by the Administration. This guidance is issued in accordance with RLM 108.10.325.3; Regulation I/9 and Section A-I/9 of the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers as amended (1978 SCW Convention, as amended); and in accordance with the Maritime Labor Convention 2006, of the International Labor Organization, and in conformity with rule A-1.2 of the MLC Convention. If you have additional questions, please contact medicalcertificates@liscr.com

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