Cruise Ship & Seafarer Medical (PEME)
Pre-employment medical examinations for cruise ship workers and seafarers. Thousands completed. We know what your cruise line needs and we work to your embarkation deadline.
Your embarkation date isn't moving. Your medical shouldn't hold you up.
You've got a contract, a join date, and a cruise line waiting for your paperwork. The last thing you need is a clinic that doesn't understand maritime medical requirements, takes weeks to return your certificate, or rejects your forms because they've never seen them before.
We've completed thousands of seafarer PEMEs at this clinic. We know what Royal Caribbean's forms look like. We know what Norwegian expects. We know the difference between what Carnival requires and what Disney requires. Send us your forms in advance and we'll have everything ready when you walk in.
What is a PEME?
A Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) is a standardised health assessment required by cruise lines and maritime employers to certify that a seafarer is medically fit to work at sea. It typically includes a physical examination, vision and hearing tests, blood work, drug screening, and urinalysis, with the specific requirements varying by employer, role, and flag state.
Most cruise lines require a PEME before your first contract and a renewal every two years.
Cruise Lines We Work With
We have extensive experience completing PEMEs for:
If your cruise line isn't listed here, we can still complete your medical. Send us the required forms in advance and we'll confirm whether we can accommodate your employer's requirements.
We also provide general pre-employment medicals for non-maritime employers. Call us to discuss your requirements.
What the Examination Includes
PEME requirements vary by cruise line and role. A typical examination covers the following:
Physical Assessment
Full physical examination including blood pressure, pulse, BMI, central nervous system screening, cardiovascular and respiratory assessment, abdominal examination, and hernia check. Your doctor assesses overall fitness for the demands of working at sea.
Vision & Hearing
Visual acuity testing with and without corrective lenses, colour vision assessment, and audiometry (hearing test). Specific thresholds vary by role; bridge and safety-critical positions have stricter requirements than hospitality roles.
Laboratory Tests
Urinalysis, drug screening, and comprehensive blood tests. The standard blood panel includes full blood count, liver function, glucose, lipids, HIV, hepatitis screening, and STI screen. Additional tests may be required depending on your employer's specifications.
All laboratory work is processed through UKAS-accredited labs.
Before Your Appointment
What to Bring
Required
- • Valid passport (photo ID)
- • Your cruise line's medical forms (ideally emailed to us in advance)
- • Proof of vaccinations
If Applicable
- • List of current medications
- • Hospital or GP records for any significant medical history
- • Your glasses or contact lenses
On the Day
Arrive having fasted for 12 hours (water is fine). This is necessary for accurate blood glucose and cholesterol results.
You'll be asked to provide a urine sample on arrival, so don't empty your bladder immediately before the appointment.
Appointment duration is approximately 1 hour, depending on your employer's specific requirements.
Results and Certification
Completed medical certificates are typically available within 3–5 working days.
If you have an urgent embarkation deadline, expedited processing is available for an additional £100. This prioritises your laboratory work and reporting so your certificate is ready faster. Let us know your deadline when you book and we'll confirm whether expedited turnaround can meet it.
Your completed forms and certificate are returned directly to you. If your cruise line requires the paperwork to be sent to a specific medical department or manning agency, we can arrange that on your behalf.
Pricing
| Service | What's Included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard PEME | Physical exam, vision/hearing, urinalysis, blood panel, drug screen, certification | From £450 |
| Expedited Service | Priority lab processing and urgent reporting | +£100 |
Final pricing depends on your cruise line's specific requirements. Some employers require additional tests beyond the standard panel. We'll confirm your total cost before your appointment if you send us the forms in advance.
Treatment Menu & Fees
Transparent pricing for all our services.
Standard PEME
From £450Expedited Service
+£100Common Questions
Q.How much does a cruise ship medical cost in the UK?
Our standard PEME starts from £450, which includes the physical examination, vision and hearing tests, urinalysis, blood panel, drug screening, and certification. Final cost depends on your specific cruise line's requirements, as some employers request additional tests. Expedited processing is available for an additional £100.
Q.Is a PEME mandatory for cruise ship work?
Most cruise lines require a PEME for new crew members and periodic renewal medicals for existing staff. Requirements vary by company, so check with your employer or manning agency if you're unsure.
Q.How long is the certificate valid?
Seafarer medical certificates are typically valid for 2 years, unless restrictions are placed on medical grounds.
Q.How quickly can I get an appointment?
We can usually see you within the same week. For urgent embarkation deadlines, call us directly on 020 7499 1991 and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Q.Can I get same-day results?
The examination itself takes approximately 1 hour, but laboratory results require processing time. Standard turnaround is 3-5 working days. Expedited service (+£100) prioritises your results for faster turnaround. True same-day certification is not possible due to lab processing requirements.
Q.What if I fail the medical?
If a health issue is identified, your doctor will discuss the findings with you. Some conditions may require further investigation or treatment before certification can be issued. In some cases, restrictions may be placed on your duties rather than an outright fail. We'll advise you on your options and next steps.
Q.Do I need to bring my own forms?
Yes. Each cruise line has specific forms that must be completed. Please bring these to your appointment and ideally email them to us in advance so we can prepare. If you're unsure which forms you need, check with your employer or manning agency.
Q.My cruise line isn't on your list. Can you still do my medical?
In most cases, yes. Send us the required forms and we'll confirm whether we can accommodate your employer's requirements. We've worked with a wide range of maritime employers beyond the cruise lines listed on this page.
Q.Do you do general pre-employment medicals (non-maritime)?
Yes. We provide pre-employment medical examinations for a range of employers and industries. Call us to discuss your specific requirements.
