Medical fitness
For STCW or STCW-F (aligned) 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 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 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.
For STCW and STCW‑F certificates, only a STCW registered medical practitioner approved by the issuing maritime authority may carry out medical examinations and issue STCW medical certificates. For national and ring‑fenced certificates, any Medical Council of New Zealand‑registered GP can conduct the medical, and in some cases, you will also need tests from a registered optometrist. STCW certificates of medical fitness can be used in lieu of national or ring-fenced certificates
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 ring‑fenced 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.
When it is time to renew, follow these steps.
[H3] Step 1. Go to a New Zealand registered GP
New Zealand-registered GPs are able to conduct medical examinations for ring-fenced certificates.
Search a list of registered GPs.
Bring valid photo ID so your GP can confirm your identity.
Step 3 – Ask your GP to examine you and complete the certificate
Your GP must carry out a full medical examination and complete the certificate.
For details of what the medical covers, see:
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.
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 national 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.
Print out this certificate to take along to the GP:
Information on what is covered in a medical is set out in this guidance document:
Find a GP
Any New Zealand‑registered GP can carry out medical examinations for national certificates.
Search the list of registered doctors on the Medical Council of New Zealand website:
Find 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.
To find a registered optometrist, use the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board online register. You can search by name or by location.
You can search the register for optometrists by name or location:
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:
There is a particular form used:
The practitioner should issue you with the STCW certificate of medical fitness: