Every seafarer has to go through a pre-joining medical examination where a doctor verifies their fitness for the upcoming contractual period. Some seafarers may be declared fit for the tour of duty under conditions that may require regular medication. In Gard, we see a significant number of cases where the seafarer who was declared fit for the contractual duration under medication, reports sick because of either a lack of medication or simply not being able to manage his or her medication routine.
09 JUN 2020
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Post medical examinations has also revealed several cases of misdeclared or concealed medical conditions at the time of the pre-joining medical examination. These can lead to severe complications that the vessel is not equipped to deal with and can potentially jeopardize the life of the seafarers in question.
For all seafarers it is important to:
For masters on board vessels we recommend:
For a significant number of illness cases where a post medical was performed it was noted that the seafarer signed on with a medical condition which was not declared at the time of PEME. The most common reason for misdeclaration is the fear of losing employment, but the seafarers need not risk their lives or livelihood for conditions that can be managed during the period of their contract.
Further material
Loss prevention posters Manage your pre-joining medical conditions