Medical certificate for seafarers

When do you need a medical certificate for seafaring?

You need a medical certificate to work on board a vessel in commercial traffic. This applies to crew members in all roles, from deck officers and engine room staff to service and restaurant staff.

You may also need a certificate:

• before certain maritime courses,
• when applying for certification as a deck officer or engineer officer,
• when your current seafarer's medical certificate needs to be renewed.

How the examination works

At your visit, you show valid ID and fill in a health declaration. The doctor goes through your health, any illnesses and your medication.

The examination covers vision, hearing and a health assessment based on the requirements that apply to your service. For work in inland waters only, the examination may be limited to vision and hearing.

Once all the information is complete, the certificate is issued through the Swedish Transport Agency's Sjöläkarwebb. You receive a signed original to take with you on board during your service.

What should you bring to your visit?

• Valid physical ID.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if you use them.
• A list of your current medication.
• Any forms or special requirements from your employer or course provider.

When you book, please tell us which position and sailing area the certificate is for.

How long is a seafarer's medical certificate valid?

For limited and unlimited sailing areas, the certificate is normally valid for a maximum of two years. For inland waters, the validity is normally a maximum of four years. If you are under 18, the certificate is valid for a maximum of one year.

The doctor may decide on a shorter validity period for medical reasons. When applying for certification, the certificate must not be more than two years old, even if it is valid for longer for service.

International shipping, cruise lines and ENG1

Are you going to work on a foreign vessel or for a cruise line? Contact us before booking and send us any forms and medical requirements. Then we can assess which examinations are needed and set aside the right amount of time for your visit.

ENG1 is the British medical certificate for seafarers. Swedish seafarer's medical certificates are among the national certificates that the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency accepts instead of ENG1.

If the shipping company requires additional tests, examinations or X-rays, we can help you with that too. Extra costs may apply.

Finding us

You can find IntygsKlinik at Läkarhuset Ellenbogen, Snapperupsgatan 12, ground floor, Malmö. We see seafarers and students from all over Skåne, including Lund, Burlöv, Lomma, Staffanstorp, Vellinge, Svedala, Trelleborg, Skurup, Ystad, Eslöv, Kävlinge, Landskrona and Helsingborg.

Read more at the Swedish Transport Agency.