Information for GPs and optometrists
From November 2018, there will be a large number of seafarers with ring-fenced certificates that will require new certificates of medical fitness.
On this page:
Overview
The medical standards seafarers must meet are specific to their maritime certificate.
Any registered GP may issue certificates of medical fitness for seafarers that have National or Ring-fenced certificates. Only a registered GP approved by Maritime NZ may issue certificates of medical fitness for STCW or STCW-F aligned certificates.
Guidance for issuing medical certificates and conducting eye tests is available below. Forms and certificates you need to complete are also listed.
Information for GPs
National or Ring-fenced certificates
Guidance for examining seafarers that have national or ring-fenced certificates:
Summary guide for completing examination of seafarers:
GP SUMMARY GUIDE for medical fitness - National or Ring-fenced seafarers [PDF: 119kB, 3 pages]
Certificate of medical fitness:
CERTIFICATE of Medical Fitness - National or Ring-fenced seafarers [PDF: 101kB, 1 page ]Give the original certificate to the seafarer. Send the certificate of medical fitness to Maritime NZ if the seafarer has a National certificate.
STCW or STCW-F certificates
Guidance for examining seafarers that have STCW or STCW-F certificates:
GUIDANCE medical fitness STCW or STCW-F [PDF: 336kB, 19 pages]
Examination form:
Medical Exam FORM for STCW or STCW-F seafarers [PDF: 195kB, 5 pages]Use the examination form to record the results of a medical examination of a seafarer that has an STCW or STCW-F maritime certificate. The seafarer needs to complete the first section. Give a copy of the completed form to the seafarer.
Certificate of medical fitness:
CERTIFICATE of Medical Fitness - STCW or STCW-F seafarers [PDF: 130kB, 1 page]Complete the certificate of medical fitness. Give the original certificate to the seafarer and send the certificate of medical fitness to Maritime NZ.
Information for Optometrists
Optometrists may be asked to test the eyesight of seafarers. For some it is a legal requirement. A seafarer may also be referred by a GP for specialist assessment.
There are different eyesight standards, depending on the maritime certificate the seafarer is applying for (engineering or deck, national, ring-fenced or STCW).
For national and ring-fenced certificates, eyesight standards are included inside these guidelines:
GUIDANCE medical fitness – National or Ring-fenced seafarers [PDF: 323kB, 16 pages]
For STCW certificates, eyesight standards are included inside these guidelines:
These guidelines are currently being reviewed. For more information, contact the Seafarer Certification team.
Eyesight report:
Eyesight test report [PDF: 165kB, 1 page]
Additional help
For more information, contact the Seafarer Certification team:
Phone:
New Zealand (toll free):
0508 225 522
Calling from outside New Zealand:
+64 4 473 0111
Email:
seafarers@maritimenz.govt.nz
Post:
Seafarer Certification, Maritime New Zealand, PO Box 25620, Wellington 6140