This is a comprehensive examination carried out at various stages, including before becoming a member of the crew and periodically, possibly every six months and sometimes onboard during long voyages.
As the response to physically demanding, often stressful, situations is often placed on seafarers, their cardiovascular health is critical, a specific cardio stress test is carried out to assess the hearts’ performance under physical loads. The examiner can then establish whether the crew member is free to carry out his job without fear of cardiac issues. High blood pressure, or hypertension is checked as this can lead to complications at sea.
Maritime careers often offer times of rest and relaxation, and a combination of this and shore leave, may lead to temptation with regard to drug and alcohol misuse. A test is carried out to check this. A BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) test measures how much alcohol is in the blood, and urine tests are used to establish any presence of illegal or prescription medications that may blunt judgement.
Any shipping job can be physically demanding, including heavy lifting, climbing ladders or handling emergencies. A musculoskeletal test is taken by seafarers to assess their physical condition related to such tasks as those above.
A urine test is used to check for kidney problems, diabetes or infections. These may be underlying conditions and finding these early on is useful particularly on long voyages.
Since a poor diet and many hours seated are part of a seafarers’ life, haemorrhoids and gastrointestinal issues do raise themselves. So, keeping a watchful eye on these potential illnesses is precautionary.
Hearing and sight tests are carried out, the hearing one measures abilities to hear alarms at different frequencies while the sight test evaluates visual acuity, depth perception and colour blindness.
Engine rooms can be areas with poor air quality, so respiratory tests check lung capacity and general respiratory health for those working or passing through such areas.
Mental health can easily be compromised in intense situations so evaluating potential problems such as anxiety, depression and stress make sure that these conditions are quickly realised.
For such ailments as infections, anaemia, high cholesterol levels and other health issues a simple blood test is carried out. This can also be used to establish hepatitis, HIV and tuberculosis too.
Other examinations include dental checks and a skin appraisal to check that eczema, psoriasis or infections don’t worsen due to exposure to sea water, humidity or prolonged contact with sunlight.
A Neurological assessment is used to check for good balance, coordination and reflexes. These must not be overlooked, since ability to be precise in such things as choppy waters is essential to the good running of a ship.
Maintaining a crew of physically and mentally capable men and women is essential to an industry that is uniquely demanding. The safety and success depend on a fit crew to make the voyage go with as few hitches as possible. Standards of excellence reward the industry with a reputation which is unsurpassed around the commercial world.
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