Transport Publication - TP 13585 E
1. Policy Objective
1.1 The purpose of this policy is to introduce new Canadian Marine Medical Standards ( TP 11343: Seafarer medical examinations – A Physician guide) to be used by Marine Medical Examiners while examining individual seeking to obtain a marine medical certificate in lieu of the of the International Labour Organization and World Health Organization publication entitled Guidelines for Conducting Pre-sea and Periodic Medical Fitness Examination for Seafarers.
2. Policy Statement
2.1 This Guide is intended to standardize the medical examinations of seafarers. It provides the tools and guidelines that Marine Medical Examiners can use while assessing the candidate. It:
- sets out the factors designated Marine Medical Examiners should take into account when conducting medical examinations;
- highlights the physical requirements seafarers need to receive a medical certificate;
- includes tests to consider for establishing whether a seafarer meets these requirements; and
- briefly reviews the administrative procedures for the issuance of medical certificates.
2.2 This guide takes into consideration the International Labour Organization and the International Maritime Organization publication entitled Guidelines on the Medical Examinations of Seafarers. Further consideration was given to standards established by other modes of transportation and other similar safety critical industries. Specific guidance was also provided by occupational specialists and incorporated in the guide.
3. Scope
3.1 This policy applies to all designated, under Part 2, Division 8 of the Marine Personnel Regulations, marine medical examiners.
3.2 This policy applies to all seafarers who seek employment onboard vessels registered in Canada or who seek to obtain certificates of competency other than those excluded by the Marine Personnel Regulations.
4. Authority
4.1 Canada Shipping Act 2001
4.2 Marine Personnel Regulations, Part 2, Division 8.
5. Responsibility/further information
5.1 The Director, Marine Personnel Standards and Pilotage (AMSP), is responsible for this policy and shall provide appropriate direction for application of the policy.
6. Related Documents
6.1 TP 11343 (E): Seafarer medical examinations – A Physician guide, ( RDIMS : 7096896)
6.2 TC form #82-0662, Marine Medical Certificate
6.3 TC form #82-0662P, Provisional Marine Medical Certificate / Marine medical Examination Report.
7. Background
7.1 Part 2, Division 8 of the Marine Personnel Regulations, directs a Marine Medical Examiner to perform medical examinations and advise the Minister of Transport of the seafarers’ fitness.
7.2 A seafarer shall produce a Marine Medical Certificate issued by the “Minister” or a Provisional Marine Medical Certificate for employment on board a vessel.
The Marine Medical Certificate attests the seafarer meets the medical standards required to perform the duties associated with their certificate of competency and those on International Voyages.
7.3 While the Guidelines for Conducting Pre-sea and Periodic Medical Fitness Examination for Seafarers published by the International Labour Organization and International Maritime Organization formed the basis for our standards, the new TP 11343 takes into account the unique needs of Canadian Seafarers by considering standards established by other Canadian modes of transportation and similar safety critical industries and also takes into account the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as the Canadian Bill of Rights.
8. Definitions
8.1 Seafarer: Means a person who is employed or is to be employed in any capacity on a vessel.
8.2 Marine Medical Examiner: means a physician who is designated by the Minister under section 268 of the Marine Personnel Regulations, to perform the examinations referred under Part 2, Division 8 of the above mention regulation.
9. Date of Application
9.1 This policy becomes effective on February, 18th, 2013
10. Date for Review or Expiry
10.1 This policy is to be reviewed and repealed once the revised Marine Personnel Regulations are published.
11. RDIMS Reference
11.1 The English version of this document is saved in RDIMS under reference number 7785031. This naming convention is: TIER 1 - Marine Medical Standards.
11.2 La version française du présent document est dans le SGDDI et porte le numéro de référence 8199814. La règle d’affectation des noms est : VOLET I - ormes médicales de la marine.
11.3 Previously approved and finalized revisions of the English version of this document is saved in RDIMS under reference number 7785031 v. 8.
12. Keywords
- Guidebook
- Medical Exam
- Seafarer
- Medical Standards
- Marine Medical Examiners