Marine Advisory: 26/2022 - Requirements for Issuance of Medical Certificates for Seafarers, India

07 December 2022

Marine Advisory: 26/2022

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

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 by approved medical practitioners in the Republic of India.

The Liberian Administration shall confer recognition to medical practitioners to conduct medical evaluations of seafarers prior to their employment aboard Liberian flagged ships. This recognition will be granted to medical practitioners who have been reviewed and approved in accordance with 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 7 January 2023 The Liberian Registry shall maintain an approved list of qualified medical practitioners who are authorized by the Republic of India to carry out medical examinations of seafarers in that country in accordance with STCW 1978, as amended, and MLC 2006. Medical Examinations of seafarers may only be conducted by those medical practitioners recognized 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 that only recognized medical practitioners may issue the medical certificates.

The medical practitioners qualified and authorized by the Republic of India who would like to be recognized by the Liberian Registry must submit to the Seafarers Certification and Documentation Department (SCD) all applicable requirements listed in Marine Advisory 27/2022. The SCD Department shall maintain a list of doctors recognized in the Republic of India 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 India 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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