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Medical Exams
We’ve compiled here the list of all major medical exams that are required to be performed during the pre-boarding phase. Some cruise lines and/or yacht administrators may allow their crew members to choose their own doctors and clinics, while the majority may only mention the certificate format standard, like the NMA, BMA, or ENG1.
The BMA (Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority) is often the standard, while the NMA (Norwegian Maritime Authority) is also accepted by all major cruise lines in the world, but it is not to be confused by a total different certificate, the ENG1 Medical Certificate, which is very specific for some cruise lines and yachts mostly out of the United Kingdom. If you’re applying for a major cruise line, you will probably* not need the ENG1.
There’s a strict list of authorized centers around the world, so we suggest you check which is the certificate that you need for your cruise line beforehand, and, upon approval, make sure that the doctor’s name matches the ones from the lists below, otherwise the certificate is invalid.
* IMPORTANT INFORMATION
To recap, there are different medical certificates, some cruise lines might accept only one format and refuse some of them. Please inform yourself with your recruiter, scheduler, agent or with colleagues from the same company before, otherwise it may lead to disembarkation from the vessel.
Blood test:
This is the main test done by all companies. It is through him that the company is sure that there is nothing uneven with their crew members. The tests usually include:
- Complete blood count (CBC).
- Levels of glucose during fasting.
- HbA1c (specially if you have a history of diabetes or if your BMI is over 30).
- Creatinine levels (if not done by urinalysis).
- HIV test.
PRECAUTIONS: It is necessary to fast for 12 hours before collection. Avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before starting the fast. It is possible to fail the exam if you detect some diseases like Hepatitis, HIV, etc, but the reason most people fail it is due to Triglycerides or high Cholesterol.
NOTE: HIV should never be a basis for discrimination, but for health and safety reasons, individuals with HIV are required to maintain an undetectable viral load to prevent transmissions on board.
Audiometry:
Audiometry is an exam that evaluates people’s hearing. When it detects any hearing abnormality it is possible to measure its degree and type of alteration, as well as it guides the preventive or curative measures to be taken, thus avoiding the aggravation. It is a mandatory exam for Engine personnel.
PRECAUTIONS: It is enough to have the ears and clean conducts of hearing and to do auditory rest avoiding very loud sounds and use of headphones for prolonged period.
Examination of sight:
If you wear glasses or corrective lenses, it is mandatory to send the glasses prescription and / or the ophthalmologist’s report if you have progressive or recurrent vision problems (eg glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.). It is a mandatory exam for Deck and Engine personnel.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have never had to do an eye examination, it is a good question to ask if everything is right with your eyes. Color vision requirements may be a factor in the selection process, and individuals with color vision deficiencies may not meet the necessary criteria for certain roles.
Urinalysis / Anti-doping:
Through the collection of urine, it is possible to identify users of Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine, Opium, Amphetamine and Acids, among other illicit substances.
- Urea test.
- Full urinalysis.
- Creatinine levels (if not done by blood test).
PRECAUTIONS: If you use any drug, you will most likely fail this test because many substances take weeks, months and even years to be completely eliminated by the body.
X-Ray:
A chest plaque may reveal lung, spine, and heart problems. For crew members, most companies ask for a full upper-body, chest or just lungs.
PRECAUTIONS: The X-ray machine is harmless to most people, it is only by common agreement that you should avoid screening on pregnant women (but if you’re pregnant you can’t work on board anyway).
Antic-antic cytology:
For woman only, this is a gynecological examination (Pap smear/preventive screening), which should be conducted by your private doctor, as it is a more intimate and specialized procedure.
PRECAUTIONS: Only current and valid test results from within 12 months prior to your shipment date will be accepted.
What to do in case of failed medical exams?
In most cases, the clinic will inform you of any issues, and you will have the opportunity to retake the exam—either at the same clinic or with a different doctor or laboratory.
The three most common reasons for failing the blood test are high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and drug use. It is also somewhat common to see cases of candidates that measured below average on the audiometry to be considered deaf and also impaired of sight enough to be considered legally blind or with color vision deficiency.