Medical fitness
For STCW or STCW-F certificates of competency or proficiency, only a STCW registered medical practitioner who is approved by a Maritime Authority may conduct medical examinations and issue STCW STCW-F certificates of medical fitness.
For National or Ring-Fenced certificates of competency or proficiency, a general practitioner who is registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand may conduct examinations and issue National and/or ring-fenced certificates of medical fitness.
National or Ring-Fenced seafarers who hold a valid STCW certificate of medical fitness may use this in lieu of a national medical certificate.
To work safely at sea, you must meet medical and eyesight standards that match the duties and risks of your seafarer certificate. These standards protect you, your crew, passengers, and the marine environment.
This page explains medical‑fitness requirements for:
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ring‑fenced certificates
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national certificates
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STCW and STCW‑F certificates
and where to find approved medical practitioners (including GPs), and optometrists.
Medical certificates for national and ring-fenced certificates
To apply for or renew a national certificate of competency or proficiency, you must show that your medical fitness and eyesight meet the required standards. Any New Zealand‑registered GP can carry out the medical examination for national certificates.
If you have ring fenced your certificate, you must hold a valid medical certificate to keep working. A standard medical certificate expires every 2 years unless otherwise specified by your practitioner. The certificate must be renewed before its expiry.
To renew or obtain a national or and/or ring-fenced medical follow these steps.
Step 1 - Find a GP
Any New Zealand‑registered GP can carry out medical examinations for national and/or ring-fenced certificates.
Search the list of registered doctors on the Medical Council of New Zealand website:
Step 2 - Check if you need an optometrist
If you are applying for a new deck certificate, you must have eyesight and colour‑vision tests carried out by a registered optometrist.
Print this form to take to the optometrist:
To find a registered optometrist, use the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board online register. You can search the register for optometrists by name or location:
Step 3 – Ask your GP to examine you and complete the certificate
Bring valid photo ID so your GP can confirm your identity.
Print this certificate to take to the GP:
If you are applying for a new deck certificate bring your optometrist report for the GP to check.
Information on what is covered in a medical is set out in this guidance document:
Step 4 – Check your medical category
Your GP will assign you a medical category. You must be assessed as:
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A
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A(T)
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or B
to continue using your ring‑fenced certificate, or to obtain a national certificate.
Step 5 – Keep the medical certificate with you on board
Keep your original medical certificate and carry a copy with you when you are working on a ship as evidence of:
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your medical fitness, and
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any conditions placed on your fitness.
Medical certificates for STCW and STCW‑F certificates
To apply for or renew an STCW or STCW‑F certificate of competency or proficiency, you must meet the medical‑fitness and eyesight standards that apply to those certificates.
For STCW and STCW‑F certificates:
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only an approved medical practitioner may conduct the medical examination
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only an approved practitioner may complete and sign the STCW medical certificate.
STCW medical examination form
Approved medical practitioners must use the STCW medical examination form:
The practitioner should issue you with the STCW certificate of medical fitness: