New Standards for the Medical Examination of Domestic Seafarers
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has developed a nationally consistent and simplified qualifications framework for Australians working on domestic commercial vessels.
The new framework, implemented under Marine Order 505, takes effect from 1 January 2023, and includes changes to the standards for the medical examination of domestic seafarers. This includes an updated form for Certificate of Medical Fitness - Domestic Seafarers (AMSA Form 1850).
The new standards are based on the requirements for international seafarers and provide a detailed explanation of the medical fitness requirements for working at sea. The standard includes information about the work environment of seafarers, including the fact that their workplace may be up to 200 nautical miles (or more) from medical facilities.
These standards should be used by general practitioners and other medical professionals to make an informed judgement about the seafarer’s medical fitness to serve on a domestic commercial vessel at sea. The standards, and the associated AMSA Form 1850, come into effect on 1 January 2023 and be found here.
