More providers, easier access for seafarer medical checks

THE AUSTRALIAN Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) says it is expanding its approved medical provider network, giving seafarers and coastal pilots more choice and greater access to medical examinations.

From this week, Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)-qualified seafarers and coastal pilots will be able to choose from four approved medical providers across more than 73 locations nationwide to complete the medical examinations required for an AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness.

AMSA executive director Maritime Safety and Environmental Compliance Greg Witherall said the expanded network would make an essential certification step more accessible for Australia’s maritime workforce.

“We’ve listened to what seafarers have been telling us. They want more flexibility and easier access to approved medical providers, particularly when balancing work commitments, family life and travel,” Mr Witherall said. 

“By expanding our network, seafarers can now choose a provider that best suits their location, schedule and individual circumstances, making the process more convenient and accessible.

“Whether that's a provider closer to home or one with appointment times that better fit around their work schedule, this additional roll out gives seafarers greater flexibility while maintaining the same high medical standards.” 

Mr Witherall encouraged seafarers and coastal pilots to visit AMSA’s website to find an approved medical provider that best suits their location, availability and certification needs.

The expanded network applies to STCW-qualified seafarers and coastal pilots who require an AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness.

There is no change for seafarers working on domestic commercial vessels under near coastal certificates of competency. They can continue to obtain Form 1850 through a general practitioner.

Mission to Seafarers regional director for Australia and Papua New Guinea, Sue Dight, welcomed AMSA’s expansion of its approved medical provider network.

“Greater choice and easier access to appointments is a practical improvement for Australian seafarers, coastal pilots and internationally qualified seafarers who require an AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness,” she said.

Ms Dight said the change would not generally affect international seafarers visiting Australian ports on foreign-flagged vessels, who usually held medical certification through their own flag state arrangements.

“[But] Anything that removes unnecessary barriers while maintaining appropriate medical standards is a positive development,” she said.

“We particularly welcome AMSA recognising that accessibility and flexibility matter to a workforce whose working patterns rarely fit neatly within ordinary business hours.”