PEME Examinations for Seafarers

Here at the Medical Express Clinic, we provide medical exams and Pre-employment Medical Examinations (PEMEs) for many cruise providers including Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruises amongst others.

Do contact us for Cruise Medicals or for any other information, appointments and prices for PEME medicals.

Seafarer's Medical Examinations

Maritime Authorities have standard that requires all employees to be medically fit for service on board cruise ships. This is to make sure that they would not posea risk to the safe running of the ship, it's passengers and other employees.

Based on this standard, anyone desiring to work or already working on a cruise ship should have a valid certificate. However, this mandatory requirement has some exceptions. If you are unsure about your need for a medical certificate, do well to contact your employer or the Maritime Authority directly.

The seafarer's medical is globally recognised by maritime employers.

Keep reading to know more about the medical examination.

Seafarer's certification generally lasts for 2 years except restrictions limiting the scope of duties on medical grounds are needed.

So, what is the medical examination about?

The medical exam for seafarers takes at least 30 minutes, depending on how complex the exam is and any further testing that may be required.

Take note that you come along with a valid photo I. D with you to the examination.

Photocopies of your valid Passport or Driver's license will not be accepted. This is very important in terms of timing a visa application where you may have to submit details such as your passport to an embassy for some time.

Other helpful documentation

For potential employees with a significant medical history, it would be of great help to bring any GP or hospital records or clinic letters.

Cruise Line Medicals

Patients who are seeking a PEME in respect of future employment with Royal Caribbean, Norweigan, Crystal, Steiner, Princess, Seven Seas and all major cruise line companies should please contact us for more details.

Please send us an email with a copy of your medical form so that we can get back to you quickly with an accurate quote. Most clients are seen within a week of their enquiry, with the completed medical available 3 working days from their appointment. Fast track appointments can also be facilitated, please contact the clinic with your request.

The medical examination includes:

• A self-declaration questionnaire to be completed by the patient (employee)
• A full physical examination including eye test and, depending on the kind of work the patient will be doing or the particular cruise line's requirements, typically involve blood tests (fasting blood tests for blood sugar and cholesterol)
• Sexual Health Screening
• Hearing test
• Urinary drug screen
• Other additional tests like an ECG, or a urinary pregnancy test

Blood tests generally test for:

• Full blood count
• Urea and electrolytes
• HIV test
• STI screening
• Hepatitis screen (A, B,C)
• Liver function
• Fasting lipid and blood glucose

Also, remember to arrive at your examination fasting for 12 hours and provide vaccination history as these may be required depending on your destination.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions (Faqs) on cruise ship Pre-employment Medical Examinations (PEME)

Is a cruise ship PEME necessary?

Undergoing an PEME is typically a requirement for new staff working on a cruise ship. This requirement also extends to some existing staff on a periodic basis. Different cruise companies however, have different requirements. As such, we recommend that you email us a copy of your medical form before  appointment.

What happens during a cruise ship pre-employment seafarer's medical?

This medical for seafarers will involve the following:

• Measuring your physical fitness by checking your height, weight, blood pressure and conducting a physical examination
• An eye test to check your eyesight (before and after you put on glasses) and colour vision testing
• Hearing test to check your hearing
• Urine test to check for glucose, blood and protein (indicators of diabetes and kidney problems)
• Listing any medication, you are currently taking
• An interrogation about your previous medical history (you will find these questions on the medical form)
• Additional tests like blood tests and for some cruise companies

What are the things I need to bring to my appointment?

Just like we mentioned earlier, you will be bringing the following to your cruise ship pre-employment medical examination:

• Photo ID
• A list of your vaccinations (available from your GP)
• Your glasses (Wearing contact lens is not necessary as they are removed for the eyesight test)
• Your urine sample - you will be given a specimen pot upon your arrival at our reception to collect your urine
• List of current medication and any hospital letters
• Medical fee (payment by card or cash only)

What should I do if I have a significant health condition or I am unsure if it is relevant?

We advise that you email us a copy of your medical report showing health condition in advance. Additional time can be set aside for your checkup.

Is there a discount if I require two similar seafarer medicals during the appointment?

Yes, we often do that and can offer you a discount in this case; however, do inform us in advance if you will need this.

Booking your appointment

Please do well to email us in advance so we can evaluate the duration of appointment needed and plan adequately for your medical examination prior to your arrival.